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 World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, with over 1 million new infections occurring daily among adults aged 15-49.
A report published on May 21 highlighted a troubling increase in syphilis cases, which have surged from 7.1 million in 2020 to 8 million in 2022. This includes a worrying rise in congenital syphilis cases.
Additionally, the WHO has raised alarms about antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea with nine countries reporting heightened resistance to ceftriaxone, the last-line treatment for this infection.
The overall rise in STIs is exacerbated by inadequate screening and limited access to healthcare services, the WHO revealed.
“The rising incidence of syphilis raises major concerns,” says WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“We have the tools required to end these epidemics as public health threats by 2030, but we now need to ensure that, in the context of an increasingly complex world, countries do all they can to achieve the ambitious targets they set themselves.”
In contrast, there has been positive news in the global fight against HIV. New HIV infections have decreased from 1.5 million in 2022 to 1.3 million, marking significant progress.
However, the WHO noted that certain populations, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, transgender individuals, and those in prisons and other closed settings, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.
The report also highlighted advancements in expanding services for STIs, HIV, and hepatitis. Several countries have successfully eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis.
To further reduce infection rates, the WHO recommended accelerating efforts to decriminalise and destigmatise those affected by STIs and other infections.
Strengthening primary prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is also key to raise awareness and improve outcomes for those affected by these conditions.
Up to 13 Hurricanes Expected
This year is anticipated to be one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons, with 17 to 25 systems expected to develop into tropical storms and as many as 13 becoming hurricanes of category one or higher, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favour tropical storm formation,” shared NOAA Climate Prediction Centre in the United States on May 23.
NOAA forecasts seventeen to twenty-five total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, eight to thirteen are predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).
“Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges,” the US weather agency added.
The NOAA statement warned that “severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today.”
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth most active on record, matching the intensity of 1933, with twenty named storms forming.
Among these, seven developed into hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane strength.
The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30.
The Crown Lands Management Bill, recently introduced by the Virgin Islands government, under the leadership of the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, is set to transform the utilisation and safeguarding of land resources for the future.
“At the core of this bill lies a commitment to transparency and the interests of the community,” declared Premier Wheatley. “We have carefully crafted these regulations to reflect our historical context, current challenges, and aspirations for the future.”
The bill sets out strict criteria and processes for the disposal and leasing of Crown Lands, ensuring decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of the community. Key components of the legislation include sustainability, affordability, suitability for development, eligibility criteria and responsible management.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive Land Use Plan, a strategic tool to guide future land allocation and mitigate the adverse impacts of unsuitable development.
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, echoed Premier Wheatley’s sentiments, urging residents to familiarise themselves with the bill’s contents.
“The Virgin Islands Crown Lands Management Bill is crucial in shaping our collective future,” remarked Dr. Smith-Berkeley. “It is imperative for every member of our community to engage with this legislation, as it holds the key to our development and prosperity.”
The bill, which governs the administration, management, development, and use of all Crown lands, has already garnered attention and anticipation among residents. To encourage public participation, the government has made the bill accessible on the official Government of the Virgin Islands website, bvi.gov.vg, inviting feedback and comments from citizens.
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