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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.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has identified the body recovered from the waters near Maria’s By The Sea Hotel as that of Vincent Warner, 47, of Tortola.
According to a statement issued by the RVIPF on Friday, officers recovered the body of a male individual from the sea near Maria’s By The Sea Hotel. “Officers are currently on scene,” the statement read. “Further details will be provided as they become available.”
Warner had been reported missing since May 26, 2025. Family members have since confirmed his identity to police.
He was described as having a slim build and a dark complexion, standing approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 170 pounds. He was the son of Viva Ham-Warner.
As of Saturday, the RVIPF has not released details on the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, has moved to reassure the public and international stakeholders of the Territory’s financial stability following the planned wind-down of Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited. In an official statement released Friday, Dr. Wheatley emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, strong regulatory oversight, and the continued integrity of the Virgin Islands’ globally recognized financial services sector.
“As Premier, my priority is the stability and wellbeing of our Islands,” Wheatley said. “We are proud of the global confidence placed in our financial services sector, and I want to reaffirm that this Government remains focused on protecting that reputation.”
Wheatley praised the leadership of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation (VIDIC), two key institutions responsible for regulating and protecting the Territory’s banking sector. He described both as operating with “professional expertise and international best practices” and expressed confidence in their ability to manage the wind-down process with diligence and in full compliance with the BVI’s regulatory framework.
The Premier also addressed public concerns over the placement of government funds with Bank of Asia, clarifying that such decisions are made within the Ministry of Finance by designated public officers, without any involvement from government ministers.
“Deposits such as these are strategies to diversify the Government’s financial portfolio,” he explained. “This is a practice that is commonplace and fiscally responsible across jurisdictions worldwide.”
To promote public trust and ensure transparency, Dr. Wheatley announced he has requested an internal audit of the specific transaction involving the Bank of Asia deposit. “I hope this will offer clear insight, foster confidence, and bring greater understanding to all,” he said.
The statement comes as the Virgin Islands continues to navigate its position as a global financial center, facing evolving international scrutiny and regulatory expectations. The Premier encouraged residents to rely on official sources—including the Government’s website and verified social media channels—for accurate updates on financial and governance matters.
“As Premier, I remain fully committed to protecting the public interest and to maintaining the strength and stability of our financial system,” he said. “This Government is moving forward with confidence, purpose, and unity. Together, we move ahead—with clarity, with strength, and with optimism.”
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed Friday that the body of a man was recovered from the waters near Maria’s by the Sea Hotel in Road Town.
Officers from the RVIPF responded to the scene shortly before noon, where the body was retrieved from the sea. The identity of the individual has not yet been released.
Police remained at the location into the afternoon, continuing their investigation. The circumstances surrounding the discovery remain unclear.
In a brief statement, the RVIPF said, “The body of a male individual was recovered from the sea in the vicinity of Maria’s by the Sea Hotel a short moment ago. Officers are currently on scene. Further details will be provided as they become available.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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