Local News
BVI Barracudas return with 36 Personal Bests and 23 Top Finishes At St. Thomas Meet
The BVI Barracudas Swim Team returned with 36 personal best times and 23 top-three finishes at their first meet of the year in St. Thomas on February 17.
With 14 swimmers aged between 6 and 16, the team delivered an outstanding performance, securing an impressive total of
Among the standout achievements, three swimmers attained B times in their races, earning them a spot on the National Age Group Motivational Times Chart for their respective age groups. This marks a milestone for the team, particularly in the post-Hurricane Irma era, as four swimmers now boast B times.
Arun Bissoondutt (10 & Under Boys) clocked 40.48 in 50m Freestyle time, while Evelyn Freeman (10 & Under Girls) swam a time of 2:04.37 100m Breaststroke. Charlie Potgieter (13-14 Boys) sped to the finish with a swift 50m Freestyle time of 31.09, and Jack Morris (15-17 Boys) wasn’t far behind clocking 31.48 in the same event.
Despite facing older competitors in the 8 & Under (25m), 10 & Under, and 11 & over categories, the swimmers still secured numerous top-three finishes across the various events.
Notable first-place finishes include Naya Bissoondutt’s (8 & Under Girls) in the 25m Breaststroke with a time of 32.08 and Skylar Steer’s (8 & Under Girls) 25m Freestyle time of 21.94. William Vergel (7) clocked 32.19 25m in the Backstroke.
Second and third-place finishes went to Michael Flax (6) and Laila Flax (9) in their respective events.
Coaches Rebecca and Kyle expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements and emphasised their commitment to continued training and development. The improvement in both times and technique has been remarkable, despite training challenges such as the absence of traditional facilities.
The team’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with parents and members of the USVI Swim Federation acknowledging their improvement and potential for the future.
The BVI Barracudas Swim Team extends heartfelt thanks to the St. Thomas Swimming Association, Inc., and the Virgin Islands Swimming Federation for organising the meet and supporting their athletes. Special gratitude is also extended to sponsors such as Aquatic Rentals VI, Road Town Fast Ferry, and Skeno, the team’s taxi driver in St. Thomas, for their invaluable assistance in facilitating travel to the meet.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
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