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.
The man who drowned off the coast of Carrot Bay on Wednesday has been identified as Ronnie a Jamaican national employed employed by Mr. Roy Smith as a backhoe operator in the British Virgin Islands.
The incident occurred near the former site of the Isabella Morris Primary School, an area commonly used for shoreline fishing. Ronnie had been fishing with two other men when a large wave swept him into the sea.
His companions ran to seek help, but by the time emergency personnel arrived, Ronnie had already disappeared beneath the water. Local fishermen later recovered his body. The drowning occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m.
The body was held on a vessel at the Fisherman’s Ramp while officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force remained on scene to begin their investigation. An autopsy has been ordered.
The police investigation is ongoing. No foul play is suspected at this time.
Authorities have reminded the public to exercise caution along rocky coastlines, especially during periods of high surf or strong wave activity.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Uncategorized
Monéa Earns Caribbean Music Awards Nomination, Making History for the British Virgin Islands
Rising music star Monéa has just hit another major milestone—she’s been nominated for a Caribbean Music Award, officially placing her among the top breakout dancehall artists of the year. She joins a talented lineup of emerging acts, including Armanii, Malie Donn, and Lady Lava, further proving that her influence on the Caribbean music scene is only growing.
Monéa is up for Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, competing against a strong roster of regional talent, including Barbados’ Amanda Reifer and Jamaican stars Tosh Alexander, D’yani, and Dexta Daps—whom she’s previously collaborated with. Her signature sound, which she calls “Tropikana”—a fusion of dancehall and pop—has been turning heads internationally, solidifying her status as a genre-bending force in the industry.
The Caribbean Music Awards, now in its third year, will take place over Labor Day weekend in New York. Hosted by the Caribbean Elite Group, the event honors artists, producers, and industry professionals across multiple Caribbean genres. This year’s awards feature over 150 nominees across 40+ categories, including standout artists from the U.S. Virgin Islands like Pressure, Pumpa, Th3rd, Star Martin, and Kruziano.
Fans can support Monéa by casting their votes on the Caribbean Music Awards website, with voting open until Friday, May 1.
This nomination is historic—not only for Monéa but for her home, the British Virgin Islands. She’s officially the first artist from the BVI to ever receive a nod from the Caribbean Music Awards. The recognition couldn’t come at a better time, as she gears up to drop her highly anticipated sophomore album, Tropikana Vol. 2: Mood Swings, later this summer.
“Being nominated is an incredible honor,” Monéa said. “To be recognized among such talented artists is humbling, and I’m grateful for the support of my fans and my home in the BVI.”
Two individuals were arrested in connection with a violent incident reported on November 8, 2024.
Melicia Bodkin, 30, of Huntums Ghut, was charged with wounding and damage to property on February 24, while Deschon Hodge, 31, was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, being armed with an offensive weapon, and damage to property on February 26. Both have been granted bail and will appear in court in April.
Premier Wheatley Presents Top Award at BVI Spring Regatta
Jamaican National Ronnie Identified as Carrot Bay Drowning Victim
Man Drowns After Being Swept Off Rocks by Wave in the Carrot Bay
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoBVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations
-
Uncategorized21 hours agoJamaican National Ronnie Identified as Carrot Bay Drowning Victim
-
Uncategorized2 days agoAssaults and Wounding Charges for Huntums Ghut and Virgin Gorda Residents
-
Uncategorized1 week agoCity Takes Action on Craft Alive Rent Arrears
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoPrison Officer Stabbed in Altercation at His Majesty’s Prison
-
Uncategorized2 days agoTwo Men Charged in Separate Burglary Investigations
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPrison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut
-
Local News1 day agoMan Drowns After Being Swept Off Rocks by Wave in the Carrot Bay