Local News
BVI Sprinter Jaleel Croal Shines Bright at American Conference Championships
Jaleel Croal representing South Florida University etched his name in the annals of track and field history when he was named the American Conference Most Valuable Performer on February 24.
“I didn’t really have anything in mind, it was just to go out and score points in both events to be honest,” Croal humbly shared when asked about his mindset going into the races.
Croal’s victory marks him as the 21st athlete from the BVI to secure a Conference crown since 1979, a fact he acknowledges with pride. “Knowing that history of being the 21st athlete from the BVI to secure a conference crown since 1979 is pretty cool,” he remarked.
With victories in both the 60m and 200m events, his success not only brings personal glory but also contributes to the broader legacy of BVI athletes, who have now accumulated an impressive total of 39 titles across 16 distinct Conferences. Reflecting on this, Croal admitted,
“To be honest, I didn’t know I would have gotten it all. I was minding my business while they announced the award winners, and all I heard was Bulls – not my name. Then my teammates were looking at me and cheering, so I was in disbelief. But the feeling hasn’t kicked in yet.”
Despite the challenges of a tight schedule between events, with only a 25-minute break separating the 60m and 200m finals, Croal remained unfazed. “There were no obstacles or challenges I had to overcome during the race,” he stated, acknowledging the support of his team and the belief they had in his abilities.
When asked about his training regimen and plans for the future, Croal emphasised his commitment to consistency and improvement. “I plan to honestly continue what I’ve been doing in practice and carry over everything from indoor to outdoor and just be better,” he said.
Throughout his journey, Croal found inspiration in witnessing his teammates’ successes, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and support in achieving individual goals. “My teammates and my support staff just believed in me to get the job done, and that’s all I needed,” he acknowledged.
Looking ahead, Croal remains focused on his ultimate goal: “My goal is to become a successful athlete in the world of track and field. That’s what I want for my athletic career.”
As Jaleel Croal continues to blaze a trail of excellence on the track, he hopes to inspire aspiring athletes, both in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
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.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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