Local News
Virgin Islands Achieves Record-Breaking Cruise Visitor Numbers in First Quarter

The Virgin Islands celebrated a historic milestone with the highest-ever recorded number of cruise visitors in the first quarter of 2024, totalling 393,605 passengers.
Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, today, April 18, during a press conference, highlighted this unprecedented number of cruise visitors underscored the significant role of maritime tourism in the economic resurgence of the Virgin Islands.
This achievement marks a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Minister Rymer attributed this surge to strategic engagements and partnerships within the cruise industry, emphasising collaboration between government and private sectors.
“Partnerships are crucial, not only for the government but also for locally owned businesses,” Minister Rymer noted, highlighting success stories like JDS Candy’s, a small Virgin Islands business supplying products to cruise lines.
Reflecting on a recent delegation to the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 conference in Miami, Minister Rymer emphasised the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of the BVI’s cruise sector. The delegation, comprising key stakeholders such as the BVI Ports Authority, ECB, Romney Tortola Pier Park, BVI Tourist Board, and local private sector partners, facilitated crucial engagements with industry leaders, fostering relationships and staying abreast of emerging trends.
“Our cruise business is not only integral to our economy but also crucial for tourism and job creation,” Minister Rymer remarked, citing data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlighting the sector’s significant contributions to the hospitality industry and government revenues.
An upcoming Bria study, expected as part of the partnership with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), aims to provide insights into cruise passenger spending patterns, enhancing strategic planning and resource allocation.
Exciting developments on the horizon include the addition of Four Seasons to the cruise portfolio, offering bespoke luxury travel experiences, and the return of MSC Cruise, enriching the destination’s offerings with smaller luxury lines and exploratory journeys.
Looking ahead to the 2024 and 2025 cruise seasons, Minister Rymer projected continued growth and increased calls to ports, emphasising the government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement and visitor experience optimisation.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of the cruise industry, sustainability and personalised experiences remain paramount,” Minister Rymer concluded, urging continued support for industries and collective efforts towards future prosperity and growth in the Virgin Islands.”
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Local News
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
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