Local News
Newly Rebuilt Law Enforcement Marine Base Completed, Elevating Safety and Security
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) proudly announces the completion of the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base, a significant step forward in fortifying safety and security measures in the region.
Jointly funded by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the UK Government, this project underscores a commitment to sustainable development and enhanced infrastructural investments.
Initiated in February 2023, the construction of the Marine Base aligns with the RDA’s overarching objectives, particularly within the ‘Good Governance’ sector and the ‘Security and Safety for All’ subsector. The project, guided by the Outcome Statement focusing on law enforcement capability and engagement, aims to bolster safety measures and streamline communication among key law enforcement agencies including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty’s Customs, and the Immigration Department.
The revitalised Marine Base features a state-of-the-art joint command and operations center, facilitating seamless coordination and monitoring of marine ports of entry. Through strengthened partnerships and enhanced information sharing, the facility is poised to create a safer, more secure, and more efficient border environment for the Virgin Islands.
Anthony McMaster, CEO of the RDA, expressed immense pride in the successful completion of the project, commending the dedication and expertise of all involved parties. McMaster extended gratitude to James Todman Construction Ltd., the winning contractor whose commitment played a pivotal role in project success.
Following the completion of the Law Enforcement Marine Base Project, the RDA is set to hand over the facility to the Office of the Deputy Governor for operational use. This milestone reflects a collaborative effort between the RDA, the Office of the Deputy Governor, Design Consultants Trojan Design and Development Limited, the contractor James Todman Construction, and all stakeholders involved.
During an official walk-through and site visit, the Office of the Deputy Governor expressed satisfaction with the project outcome, signaling the project’s successful culmination. The RDA remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in the construction industry, striving to exceed expectations in every project undertaken.
Since its formation in April 2018, the RDA has been a key development partner of the Government of the Virgin Islands, working tirelessly to implement projects, raise funds and build capacity. With the extension of its mandate until December 2026, the RDA looks forward to continued collaboration with Central Government to achieve vital development outcomes for the Territory.
For more information about the RDA and its projects, visit BVIRecovery.vg.
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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