Local News

UK Conducts First Crisis Simulation Exercise in BVI and Anguilla

Published

1 year ago

February 8, 2024

Editor

– Officials Concern About Timing

A team from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom for the first time will today oversee a stimulation exercise with key departments and entities under the command of the Governor in the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

The February 8 unprecedented departmental takeover in the two overseas territories aims to provide UK with essential insights and processes for swift and effective crisis management, facilitating the relay of critical information back to the UK office.

According to sources, the FCDO has been conducting training sessions in the BVI for the past week as part of disaster preparedness efforts.

“UK crisis management experts are in the BVI to host a week of training with the Governor’s Office, DDM (Department of Disaster Management) and other agencies as part of disaster preparedness. The training will culminate in a semi-live scenario exercise at the end of the week” explained the communication source in the Office if the newly appointed Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce.

In UK overseas territories the Governor has the power to take control of territory should there be a crisis or disaster.

Amidst the anticipation surrounding the exercise, concerns have emerged among the public regarding its underlying motivations. Speculations that the training and simulation are prompted by the ongoing challenges faced by the government in implementing recommended reforms, compounded by the overarching Order in Council.

Former Governor John J. Rankin’s push for increased powers has further fuels these concerns.

Some government workers have voiced discomfort over the lack of clarity and oversight regarding the visiting officers’ interactions with their departments.

“There have been these UK people coming to our office and demanding or they might say requesting certain information, asking us to show them this and that. But the thing is it seems that our bosses were even aware that these people were coming and we are required to give them whatever information they ask for,” one government official said.

In his last quarterly report issued in January, Governor Rankin expressed reservations about the “capability and determination” of the BVI government to effectively guide and conclude essential reforms.

He highlighted that despite having a considerable time frame of twenty-one months, the government only managed to address 25 out of 48 identified reforms, with just five months remaining before the deadline expires.

While underscoring the necessity for endowing the governor with increased authority, Rankin pointed fingers at the ministers for the slow pace in implementing reforms.

However, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley rebuffed the proposal for additional powers to be bestowed upon the governor, labelling the suggestion as a regression into colonialism.

He noted that contrary to the governor’s report, “the government has been working diligently on governance reforms since May 2022. We have made genuine strides in strengthening the systems and institutions of government. Good progress has been made and the work involved continues.”

“The Governor should not be seeking additional powers to bypass democracy and the people of the British Virgin Islands so that he can implement measures as he sees fit without any democratic accountability. It would be a colonial act.”

On February 5, UK Member of Parliament David Rutley commenced a series of meetings with Premier Wheatley and other ministers to receive updates on the advancements in governance reforms.

Prior to his arrival in the Territory, Rutley stressed that “the Overseas Territories are a core part of the UK family and the UK Government is committed to the security. prosperity and well-being of the people of the British Virgin Islands. We want to see a successful, thriving, well-governed BVI, and will continue to do our utmost to support the Governor and the people of the BVI to achieve that goal.”

In January 2021, the ex-Governor Augustus Jaspert launched a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe possible corruption, abuse of office, or substantial dishonesty within the public sector.

Inquiry Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom on April 4, 2022, presented a detailed 900-page report to Rankin, unveiling corruption findings across different government tiers.

The report comprised 45 specific recommendations, featuring four broad suggestions, one of which proposed the partial suspension of the constitution to revamp the governmental and governance structures in the BVI.

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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

2 days ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.

In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.

“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.

“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”

In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.

“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.

“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”

As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.

Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:

Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
Barbados – Team Bimstars
Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss

The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.

Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.

Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!

For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55

Entertainment

Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.

LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.

The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.

The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.

The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.

Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.

The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).

Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.