Local News
Social Development Department Vows Confidential, Equitable Public Assistance Delivery
In a recent Table Talks Session focusing on Accessing Public Assistance, Miss Tasha Bertie, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, highlighted the department’s dedication to maintaining confidentiality and fairness in delivering public assistance to individuals across the Virgin Islands.
Miss Bertie emphasised the successful transition to a streamlined system under the Social Development Department, promoting transparency and equity in the distribution of public assistance grants.
“We are pleased with the transition’s outcomes. While the previous system served its purpose, the current approach ensures that all grants are correctly channelled and managed, fostering equity across the board,” stated Miss Bertie.
Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett, Chief Social Development Officer, noted that the transition enabled the department to shift from manual to digital record-keeping, improving efficiency and reducing waiting times for assistance while facilitating accurate reporting to the ministry.
“The digital system has significantly streamlined our processes and reporting obligations to the ministry, making assistance more accessible to those in need,” Mrs. Malone-Frett remarked.
Miss Laurel Freeman, Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, highlighted the department’s stringent measures to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals seeking assistance.
“Applications are identified solely by NHI numbers, ensuring the anonymity of applicants. In the absence of an NHI number, alternative identifiers such as Social Security numbers, passports, birth certificates, or driver’s licences are utilised to protect applicants’ identities,” explained Miss Freeman.
Since the adoption of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations in 2022, the Ministry of Health and Social Development has intensified efforts to enhance public assistance services in the Virgin Islands.
The Social Development Department’s commitment to confidentiality and equity reflects the government’s broader initiatives to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and ensure justice for all residents of the Virgin Islands.
By prioritising inclusion, enforcement, safety, communication, and accountability, the government aims to instill greater confidence in its ability to provide accessible and secure services, thus fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of the Virgin Islands effectively.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police19 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Elections 202320 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Local News20 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola