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Government Allocates $1.8 Million to Address Deteriorating Road Conditions in the Virgin Islands

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The government has recently earmarked approximately $1.8 million to improve the most impacted stretches of roads. Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, announced a comprehensive plan that will be backed by immediate action to tackle the longstanding issue of deteriorating road conditions, particularly on Tortola.

“The long-standing issue of deteriorated road conditions in our territory, particularly here on Tortola, will be receiving immediate attention,” Minister Rymer declared during the press conference held today, April 18. “The government has recently allocated approximately $1.8 million to improve the most impacted stretches of roads.”

Highlighting the critical need for these improvements, Minister Rymer pointed out that frequent water pipe breakages have caused significant damage to the road infrastructure. Key areas slated for improvement include the diamond pump station leading into Enis Adams Primary School and the Little Dix Hill area, both of which are crucial for addressing the water issue.

“A portion of the allocated funds, $400,000, will be dedicated to the purchase of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and fittings,” Minister Rymer elaborated. “HDPE pipes have proven to be versatile and durable, making them an ideal solution for our water infrastructure.”

Contracts for these improvements are currently undergoing thorough vetting, with works anticipated to commence in the near future. The approved funds will cover the costs of acquiring HDPE pipes and fittings, as well as labor for road resurfacing.

“The deplorable state of our road infrastructure is a matter of great concern for this government,” Minister Rymer emphasised. “We are fully committed to addressing this issue, understanding its impact on the daily lives of our residents and the overall development of our territory.”

Minister Rymer assured the public that this allocation of funds is just the beginning of comprehensive efforts to rehabilitate the road network. “The tender for the 38 miles is currently being evaluated,” he added, signaling ongoing efforts to secure additional resources and implement long-term road solutions.

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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions

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Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina wrapped up its annual Scrub Island Billfish Series last month, marking another successful event in competitive sport fishing. The tournament, held from September 13 to 21 and organised by The Marlin Group, attracted 13 teams and 98 anglers, with a cash purse of $345,700 on the line. Over the course of two legs, participants released a total of 132 blue marlin and nine sailfish.

Winners of the 2024 Scrub Island Billfish Series:

Leg I
1st Place: Doña Lucy / San Juan, Puerto Rico (Capt. Efrain Rodriguez)
2nd Place: Showtime! / Stuart, Florida (Capt. Jon Meade)
3rd Place: Ohana / Jacksonville, Florida (Capt. Luke Hickey)

Leg II
1st Place: Showtime! / Stuart, Florida (Capt. Jon Meade)
2nd Place: Juben / Charleston, South Carolina (Capt. Jay Weaver)
3rd Place: Marlin Darlin / Clearwater, Florida (Capt. Shay Danzig)

Overall Series Champion: Showtime! / Stuart, Florida (Capt. Jon Meade)

Top Angler (Leg I): Ricardo Quiñones (Doña Lucy)
Top Lady Angler (Leg I): Michelle Espinosa (One Up)
Top Angler (Leg II): Chad Damron (Sodium)
Top Lady Angler (Leg II): Stacey Parkerson (Trilo Bite)

During the first leg of the series, 59 blue marlin and seven sailfish were released, with even more impressive numbers in the second leg: 73 blue marlin and two sailfish. Across six days of competitive fishing, the fleet released 132 blue marlin, highlighting the tournament’s reputation for prime big-game fishing.

“Each year, anglers from all over the world come to Scrub Island for a chance to experience the famous North Drop, renowned as one of the best spots globally for blue marlin fishing,” said Sandra Grisham-Clothier, General Manager of Scrub Island Resort. “We’re always excited to welcome the participants and witness this amazing event unfold.”

Tournament Director Jennifer Dudas echoed the excitement, stating, “The fishing was phenomenal this year, the weather was perfect, and the energy was incredible. We’re already counting down the days to the 2025 tournament!”

Anglers and their families enjoyed a host of luxury amenities throughout their stay at Scrub Island Resort, from the Ixora Spa to the resort’s world-class dining, private beaches, and a marina that served as the launch point for water-based excursions. Visitors also took advantage of the opportunity to explore the surrounding islands and marine life.

Looking Ahead
The 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series is scheduled for September 4-8 (Leg I) and September 8-12 (Leg II). For more information on Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, visit ScrubIsland.com or call (877) 890-7444. For details on the Scrub Island Billfish Series, visit MarlinMag.com.

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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly

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Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.

Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.

The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.

Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.

However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.

Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.

The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.

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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group

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A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.

According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.

A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”

While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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