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.
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.
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