Uncategorized
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.
Uncategorized
Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
Uncategorized
Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
Uncategorized
Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
-
Crime/Police3 days ago
Attempted Armed Robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill Foiled on Fort Hill
-
Crime/Police6 days ago
Governor Pruce Suspends RVIPF Commissioner Recruitment, Citing Evolving Security Needs
-
Local News1 week ago
Third District Job Fair Sees Record-Breaking Turnout and Community Impact
-
Local News1 week ago
Virgin Islands Moves Forward with New Agriculture and Fisheries Complex Contract
-
Business7 days ago
Virgin Islands Secures $100 Million Loan to Drive Infrastructure and Community Development
-
Business7 days ago
BVI Financial Investigation Agency and Jersey Financial Services Commission Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Financial Crimes
-
Local News2 days ago
Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
-
Crime/Police2 days ago
Spike in East End Burglaries Prompts RVIPF to Urge Heightened Security