Local News
BVI Basketball Sensation D’Moi Hodge Joins Team Tortola for Caribbean Championship 2024 Showdown

British Virgin Islands basketball superstar D’Moi Hodge is set to join Team Tortola for the Caribbean Championship 2024 at the Multipurpose Complex from April 4 to 7.
Fans will witness the battle for the Premier Cup, where the region’s top teams vie for supremacy on the hardwood.
This year’s tournament features a dynamic lineup of contenders, with Group A comprising Tola, Bahamas, and Sint Maarten, while Group B boasts VG, Santo, SKB, and Statia.
The action kicks off on Thursday, April 4, with a grand opening ceremony preceding three thrilling matchups. At 6 pm, SKB faces off against VG followed by a clash between Statia and Santo at 8 pm. The night concludes with Tola squaring off against SXM at 10 pm.
Friday, April 5, promises even more excitement as SKB takes on Statia at 6 pm, followed by VG battling Santo at 8 pm. The night’s finale sees Tola locking horns with Bahamas at 10 pm in what promises to be a clash of titans.
Saturday, April 6, sees the intensity reaching new heights with a full day of action-packed matchups. Starting at 8 am, Santo goes head-to-head with SKB, followed by VG versus Statia at 10 am, and Bahamas facing off against SXM at noon.
The crossover semifinals add another layer of drama as the winners and runners-up from each group battle for a spot in the championship round.
At 8 pm, the winner of Group B takes on the second-place finisher from Group A, followed by the much-anticipated King of the Court 3-Point Shootout. Then, at 10:00 pm, the winner of Group A clashes with the second-place finisher from Group B, setting the stage for an epic finale.
On Sunday, April 7th, the excitement continues with the third-place game at 7 pm, followed by the highly anticipated championship showdown at 9 pm.
The tournament concludes with an awards ceremony, where the standout performers will be celebrated.
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate, with adult admission priced at $10 and students under 16 able to attend for just $5. For fans looking to catch every moment of the action, season passes are available for $30 and can be purchased at Hazems Beauty Supplies.
Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Local News
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
Crime/Police
Drew Farrell Charged With Manslaughter in Virgin Gorda Stabbing

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.
Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.
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