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BVI Strengthens Oil Spill Response Capabilities with Training Exercise

A marine pollution training and tabletop exercise recently brought together twenty-two public officers and partners in a concerted effort to fortify the British Virgin Islands Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
Led by Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Jasen Penn, the exercise aimed to evaluate and bolster the Territory’s readiness in mitigating marine pollution incidents.
Emphasising the importance of collaborative preparedness, Mr. Penn underscored the significance of the exercise in fostering effective coordination among Virgin Islands responders. “This training exercise provided an invaluable opportunity for our officers and partners to collectively assess our national oil spill plan, pinpointing areas for improvement,” remarked Mr. Penn.
The training regimen delved into international best practices, equipping participants with insights into diverse pollutant risks and management strategies. A pivotal aspect of the exercise was the tabletop simulation, which challenged responders to navigate a multifaceted at-sea incident entailing search and rescue operations, diverse pollutant scenarios, and the mobilization of external resources.
Facilitated by experts from the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, including Head of Counter Pollution and Salvage, Stan Woznicki, and Environmental Science Lead, Neil Chapman, the training was seamlessly integrated into the Department of Disaster Management’s annual calendar of activities.
Representatives from various governmental bodies and agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, BVI Airports Authority, and Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, actively participated in the exercise. External stakeholders such as Delta Petroleum and SOL also contributed their expertise to the collaborative endeavor.
Regular testing and refinement of the Virgin Islands Oil Spill Contingency Plan are essential not only for compliance with international standards but also for ensuring the Territory’s preparedness in safeguarding its marine environment.
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Major Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) carried out a series of high-impact operations in the first quarter of 2025, resulting in significant seizures of illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition. The enforcement actions, part of a broader crackdown on criminal activity, reflect stepped-up efforts to disrupt narcotics distribution and remove unlicensed weapons from the streets.
The operations are part of intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and remove unlicensed weapons from circulation.
Between January and March, RVIPF officers confiscated more than 12 kilograms of cannabis, 2,900 mature cannabis plants, and 2,447 seedlings. The seizures are part of an ongoing initiative to dismantle local drug distribution networks and reduce the availability of illicit substances across the islands.
In parallel with drug enforcement operations, police also recovered seven pistols and two rifles—exceeding the number of firearms seized during the same period in 2024. Ammunition confiscations more than doubled, rising from 152 rounds in early 2024 to 389 rounds in the first three months of this year.
Authorities noted a high charge rate in possession cases, underscoring what the RVIPF described as a continued zero-tolerance policy toward illegal weaponry. The enforcement activity is supported by intelligence-led policing and strengthened community cooperation.
“These results reflect the success of targeted enforcement strategies and community partnerships,” the RVIPF said in a statement accompanying the release of the data.
The figures were published alongside broader crime statistics indicating that serious criminal offenses, including assaults, sexual offenses, and burglaries, have reached their lowest first-quarter levels in five years. Police attributed the overall decline to coordinated operations and increased public engagement.
The RVIPF has committed to maintaining its current pace of enforcement through the remainder of the year.
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Pope Francis Dies at 88: World Mourns Transformative Leader of the Catholic Church

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas, died on Sunday at the age of 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy defined by humility, social advocacy, and efforts to modernise the Church. The Vatican confirmed his death late Sunday evening in a brief statement, noting he passed away peacefully at the Apostolic Palace, surrounded by senior clergy and aides.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His elevation as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Global South signalled a shift in the Church’s global focus. His leadership inspired millions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where his messages of compassion, environmental stewardship, and economic justice found deep resonance.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis worked tirelessly to address some of the most complex issues facing the modern Church—sexual abuse scandals, declining attendance, and widening political divides. He was both praised and criticised for his efforts to reach across ideological lines, calling for greater inclusion within the Church, particularly towards the LGBTQ community, divorced Catholics, and interfaith dialogue.
In the Caribbean, a region with a deep Catholic heritage, Pope Francis was seen as a moral voice and a beacon of reform. His 2015 visit to Cuba helped pave the way for a historic thaw in US–Cuba relations, while his outspoken stance on climate change galvanised support for environmental movements across island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensifying hurricanes.
“Pope Francis was a man of the people. His commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and our common home touched the lives of many here in the Caribbean,” said Bishop Harold Richards of the Antilles Episcopal Conference. “He brought a human face to the Church.”
Though increasingly frail in recent years, Francis continued to carry out his duties with determination. He remained active in Vatican affairs until only weeks before his passing, delivering his final public message on Easter Sunday, in which he called for peace in the Middle East and solidarity with migrants worldwide.
A conclave of cardinals will be convened in the coming weeks to elect a new pope. In the meantime, the College of Cardinals will oversee the governance of the Church.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of bold compassion, spiritual leadership, and a vision of a more open, engaged, and globally conscious Catholic Church. Across the Caribbean and the world, churches will toll their bells in mourning—and in gratitude for a life of service.
Funeral services are expected to be held later this week in St Peter’s Basilica. A national day of mourning has been declared in Argentina.
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Leatherback Nesting Season Commences in BVI: Conservationists Seek Community Support

As the leatherback sea turtle nesting season begins across the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are preparing for potential nesting activity. While sightings have been reported in neighboring regions, no nests have been documented in the BVI yet. The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), a local non-profit dedicated to marine conservation, is urging residents and visitors to report any turtle tracks or nesting activity promptly. Early detection is crucial, especially if nests are located in vulnerable areas where eggs may need to be relocated to ensure their survival.
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