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  • Virgin Islands Set for Crown Land Management Overhaul with New Legislation || Virgin Islands Responds to Flash Flood Emergency: Governor Pruce Leads Recovery Efforts || DMV Launches Special Commemorative Licence Plate for 70th Emancipation Festival || New Immigration Bill Aims to Clarify Residence and Belonger Status in the Virgin Islands || Heavy Rains Damage Retaining Wall at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate || Elmore Stoutt High School Set to Resume In-Person Classes Tomorrow || Landslides Severely Disrupt Access to North Sound via The Valley || Banks Temporarily Shut Doors Due To Adverse Weather Conditions || Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Flood Warning in British Virgin Islands || Ciboney School of Excellence is the Primary School Foreign Language Bowl Champions || Records Management Centre Showcases Vital Role in Preserving History || Multiple Airports Targeted in Bomb Threats: RVIPF Investigates Coordinated Attacks || Stolen Wrangler Found Flipped on Virgin Gorda || Lesmore Smith’s Ghostingyou Gallops to Victory St. Thomas USVI Governor’s Cup || Medita Malone Wheatley to Launch Book on Legacy of Principal Carlisle Scott || 35th Anniversary of Senior Citizens’ Month Launched || Extreme Misconduct Unravels at ESHS: In-Person Classes Suspended || Government Elevates Kedrick Malone to Lead Commission of Inquiry Implementation || Deputy Premier Commends ICC FraudNet's 20th Anniversary Amid Global Financial Challenges ||   ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com
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Local News

Sea Cows Bay Basketball Club Launches Spring Clinic

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The Sea Cows Bay Basketball Club, in partnership with the BVI Olympic Committee, has launched its Spring Basketball Clinic for 9-15-year-olds. Held at the Greenland and Baugher’s Bay Court, the clinic runs from April 8 to 12, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Led by Mr. Milton McLean, the clinic aims to develop basketball skills and instill important values like teamwork and discipline.

For more information, contact Mr. Milton McLean at 542 0555.

Local News

Virgin Islands Set for Crown Land Management Overhaul with New Legislation

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The Crown Lands Management Bill, recently introduced by the Virgin Islands government, under the leadership of the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, is set to transform the utilisation and safeguarding of land resources for the future.

Premier Wheatley, in his address to the House of Assembly on May 2,  described the bill as more than just legal statutes but as a visionary roadmap towards sustainable development, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

“At the core of this bill lies a commitment to transparency and the interests of the community,” declared Premier Wheatley. “We have carefully crafted these regulations to reflect our historical context, current challenges, and aspirations for the future.”

The bill sets out strict criteria and processes for the disposal and leasing of Crown Lands, ensuring decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of the community. Key components of the legislation include sustainability, affordability, suitability for development, eligibility criteria and responsible management.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive Land Use Plan, a strategic tool to guide future land allocation and mitigate the adverse impacts of unsuitable development.

Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, echoed Premier Wheatley’s sentiments, urging residents to familiarise themselves with the bill’s contents.

“The Virgin Islands Crown Lands Management Bill is crucial in shaping our collective future,” remarked Dr. Smith-Berkeley. “It is imperative for every member of our community to engage with this legislation, as it holds the key to our development and prosperity.”

The bill, which governs the administration, management, development, and use of all Crown lands, has already garnered attention and anticipation among residents. To encourage public participation, the government has made the bill accessible on the official Government of the Virgin Islands website, bvi.gov.vg, inviting feedback and comments from citizens.

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Crime/Police

Stabbing Incident Leaves Inmate Injured at His Majesty’s Prison

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A stabbing incident that occurred on May 12 at His Majesty’s Prison, resulted in inmate Shakeel Ryan being transported to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, another individual has been apprehended and is currently being questioned at the Road Town Police Station.

Ryan, who is incarcerated for conspiracy to murder, remained hospitalised at the time of publication.

Circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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Local News

Heavy Rains Damage Retaining Wall at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate

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The retaining wall at the Social Security-funded homes in Joe’s Hill Manor Estate sustained substantial damage after heavy rains inundated the territory on May 7 and 8, leaving significant damage at multiple sites across the area.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far, but efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of all affected areas.

In addition to the damage at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate, the torrential rains caused widespread flooding on the streets, with businesses on Flemming Street bearing the brunt of the floodwaters. The situation was compounded by erosion, landslides, and flash flooding on Virgin Gorda, rendering access to North Sound via Valley impassable and posing hazardous conditions for residents.

As a result of the adverse weather conditions, several banks across the region, including Bank of Asia (BVI), CIBC Caribbean, First Bank Virgin Islands, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) and VP Bank (BVI), were forced to close their doors.

In a precautionary move to prioritise public safety, all public schools across the territory were closed. However, as of today, May 9, they have reopened, except for Elmore Stoutt High School, which will resume face-to-face sessions on Friday, May 10th, 2024.

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