Local News
35th Anniversary of Senior Citizens’ Month Launched
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley officially declared the commencement of the 35th anniversary of Senior Citizens’ Month in the Virgin Islands.
The declaration was made during a ceremony held at the Sea Cow’s Bay Methodist Church on May 1.
Minister Wheatley remarked, “This year, as we embark on this month-long journey of appreciation and recognition, we do so under the inspiring theme: Powered by Connections. This theme speaks to the profound impact that our senior citizens have had on our lives, and the interconnectedness that brings us all together as a community.”
He further stated, “These events span social and physical engagements to artistic and entertaining pursuits, providing avenues for personal development, social connectivity, and intellectual stimulation. By participating in these activities, you not only have the chance to forge new relationships and strengthen bonds with existing friends but also to share your wealth of experiences and insights with fellow participants.”
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, acknowledged the contributions of seniors in the Territory’s history and emphasized the need to ensure their quality of life.
“It is said that you can tell a lot about a society by how it treats its elders. There will also be room for improvement but for the most part, we in the BVI are doing a fairly good job in this area. This comes from our culture and our upbringing,” remarked Honourable Dr. Wheatley.
He added, “We in the BVI recognize the sacrifices and the work of those who have laid the path for us to walk on and the foundations for us to build on. We value and respect their efforts and their achievements, whether it has been in raising us and ensuring our education, creating generational wealth or across the spectrum of national development. In this regard, we are powered by connection; our connection to our seniors.”
Various activities are planned for the month, including intergenerational days, open houses, and cultural events across Tortola and the sister islands.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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