Local News
British Virgin Islands Prepares to Host Fourth Wagner Sailing Rally Honouring Legacy of Polish Sailor Wladek Wagner
The British Virgin Islands is gearing up to host the fourth Wagner Sailing Rally from January 25 to January 28, an event celebrating the life and contributions of the late Polish sailor, Wladek Wagner, who made his mark in Bellamy Cay and Trellis Bay during the 1940s and 1950s.
Dr. Katherine Smith, Director of Culture, highlighted the rally’s focus on recognizing the impactful relationship between Mr. Wagner and the late Mr. Obel Penn, alongside other residents from the East End/Long Look community. This collaboration significantly contributed to the development of Beef Island and Trellis Bay, underlining the historical ties that shaped the region.
Emphasizing the importance of heritage and remembrance, Dr. Smith expressed anticipation for cultural exchanges, particularly in music and dance, representative of both Virgin Islands and Polish culture.
The opening ceremony, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, is slated for Thursday, January 25, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trellis Bay Market Bar and Grill on Beef Island. The ceremony will include the raising of the Virgin Islands, British, and Polish flags, the unveiling of Wladek Wagner’s Remembrance Plaque, and a Rally Welcome Concert featuring various cultural performances.
Ephraim and Shamora Penn, event coordinators, conveyed their excitement to welcome participants to the Wagner Sailing Rally Trellis Bay, expressing that the event also honors Mr. Obel Penn’s commitment to the East End/Long Look districts and the overall advancement of the Territory.
On Friday, January 26, water-based and recreational sporting activities will commence at 11:00 a.m., culminating in the highly anticipated Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay. The festivities continue on Saturday, January 27, with a yacht parade to Jost van Dyke and the End of Rally Concert at Foxy’s.
Under the patronage of the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Polish Yachting Association of North America is expected to attract 250 to 300 Polish sailors, contributing to the vibrant cultural exchange and celebration of shared maritime heritage.
With festival culture at its core, the Wagner Sailing Rally promises an array of entertainment, leisure activities, socializing, unique experiences, and a delightful exploration of local cuisine. The Virgin Islands community is warmly invited to participate in the scheduled activities that honor significant aspects of the Territory’s rich culture and heritage.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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