Local News
District Three Celebrates Health and Community at Senior Citizen Health Social
District Three recently came together to celebrate health and wellness at the Senior Citizen Health Social. Hosted by Therapy Works, the event drew over twenty-eight seniors who revelled in the music, food and camaraderie.
Dr. Jerry Smith, the owner of Therapy Works, took the stage to emphasise the importance of exercise for seniors, receiving accolades from the attendees for his insightful remarks.
Joining the celebration were the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9, Dr. the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) and the Junior Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Both officials voiced their wholehearted support for the event, underscoring its significance in promoting health and well-being within the community.
Minister Wheatley pledged his commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the Territory’s “golden gems” – its cherished seniors – vowing to advocate for improved remuneration for healthcare workers. Minister Dawson lauded the interconnection between healthy living and local agriculture, extending gratitude to the Third District seniors for their enthusiastic participation.
The Senior Citizen Health Social received generous support from corporate sponsors, including Nagico Insurance, BVI Ports Authority, Delta Petroleum, Caribbean Insurers, BCQS International, Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, Bobby’s Supermarket, Neville A. Smith and Therapy Works. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success and promoting a culture of well-being in the community.
This event reflects the ongoing efforts of District Three leaders, Ms. Forbes and Mr. Willock, who have spearheaded various initiatives over the past year, ranging from job fairs and educational donations to food pantries and back-to-school giveaways. Their dedication to the welfare of the community underscores the spirit of unity and compassion that defines District Three.
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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