Local News
Registrar General Urges Prompt Passport Renewal Ahead of Hurricane Season
In a bid to ensure smooth travel plans for citizens amidst the looming hurricane season and upcoming summer holidays, Registrar General at the Civil Registry and Passport Office (CRPO), Mrs. Tashi O’ Flaherty-Maduro, has issued a crucial advisory urging the public to renew their travel documents promptly.
Mrs. Flaherty-Maduro emphasised the importance of checking the validity of passports well in advance and submitting renewal applications promptly before making concrete travel arrangements. Highlighting the centralised processing system implemented since 2015, she informed that passport printing is carried out by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) in the United Kingdom.
Citing HMPO guidelines, she cautioned that passport processing can take up to ten weeks. Therefore, renewing passports early ensures hassle-free travel, averting any potential interruptions or delays.
“Let us continue to work together to ensure that all travelers are well-prepared and equipped with valid passports for their upcoming travel plans,” Mrs. Flaherty-Maduro emphasised, underlining the collaborative effort needed to facilitate smooth travel experiences.
The Registrar General also reminded citizens of varying processing times based on individual circumstances such as lost, stolen, or first-time passports. Additionally, she informed that BOTC and/or British passports can be renewed within nine months of expiration.
For more information and assistance, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Civil Registry & Passport Office at 284-468-3036 or infocris@gov.vg.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
