Local News
Forecasters Warn of Above-Average Storm Activity for 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Forecasters at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project are cautioning that the region is likely to experience elevated levels of storm activity during the upcoming 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, scheduled to commence on June 1.
Senior Research Scientist Dr. Phil Klotzbach, speaking at the Tropical Weather Conference, conveyed that the Atlantic basin is anticipated to witness 23 named storms throughout the season. Of these, eleven hurricanes are forecasted to form, with five potentially escalating into major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
Dr. Klotzbach attributed this forecast to higher-than-average sea temperatures, which provide conducive heat energy for storm development. Additionally, a shift towards La Nina conditions later in the year is anticipated, resulting in minimal vertical wind shear to impede the organization and strengthening of storm systems.
Jasen Penn, Director of Disaster Management, emphasized the importance of early preparation in response to this forecast, noting that while conditions may evolve, residents should take proactive measures to brace for seasonal storms.
“The reality is that regardless of the forecast, it remains important for persons to take steps to prepare because just one storm coming to our area can be devastating,” remarked Mr. Penn.
Highlighting the heightened risk, forecasters project a 66% probability of a major hurricane tracking through the Caribbean Sea, compared to the average yearly probability of 47%.
Mr. Penn urged residents to heed precautionary measures, emphasizing the adage, “It is better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent.”
As the hurricane season approaches, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant by monitoring local weather reports shared through the DDM website and social media channels. Additional preparatory measures include downloading the DDM App, creating or updating emergency plans, inspecting property for vulnerabilities, assembling essential supplies, and reviewing insurance policies.
Residents can access further resources to aid in preparation, including a hurricane tracking map, an emergency kit checklist, and the latest list of emergency shelters, available at www.bviddm.com.
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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Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
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