Local News
Governor Pruce’s First Week: Visits to Key Offices and Briefings
With a commitment to understanding the various facets of his jurisdiction, Governor Daniel Pruce embarked on a series of visits to key institutions on the second day of his tenure, aiming to familiarise himself with their operations, personnel and challenges.
The day kicked off with a visit to the Auditor General Offices, where Governor Pruce engaged in discussions with Auditor General, Ms. Sonia Webster. Their dialogue centreed on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) audits and common accountability issues highlighted therein. This meeting underscored the Governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
Following this, he proceeded to His Majesty’s Prison, where Superintendent Mr. Jay Kendall and his team provided an insightful tour. The visit encompassed various facilities within the prison, including the medical and catering units, the furniture workshop, and the newly acquired gym equipment funded by the UK. The tour offered Governor Pruce a firsthand look into the operations and conditions within the prison, vital for informed decision-making and policy formulation.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Headquarters. Governor Pruce convened his first briefing with Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins, and was introduced to key staff members, including Deputy Commissioner Jackie Vanterpool and officers from the family and juvenile unit. The discussion focused on law enforcement priorities, community engagement strategies, and collaborative efforts to ensure public safety and security across the Territory.
The day concluded with a training session conducted by the Cabinet Secretary on cabinet procedures. This session provided the Governor with insights into the governance framework and decision-making processes within the executive branch, equipping him with essential knowledge for effective leadership and governance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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