Local News
Medita Malone Wheatley to Launch Book on Legacy of Principal Carlisle Scott
Educator and author Medita Malone Wheatley will unveil her latest edited book on Monday, May 6, titled, “A Snapshot of the Virgin Islands Secondary School Under Principal Carlisle Scott” at the Elmore Stoutt High School in the British Virgin Islands.
This compelling book offers a glimpse into the transformative tenure of Mr. Carlisle Scott, featuring firsthand accounts from students and teachers who were profoundly impacted by his leadership between 1956 and 1968.
Mrs. Wheatley, deeply influenced by Mr. Scott’s teachings, meticulously edited the text with a sense of duty and reverence, aiming to honour his legacy.
“For me, the launch of Mr. Scott’s book is a sacred obligation,” remarked Mrs. Wheatley. “His impact on secondary education has left an indelible mark on the Virgin Islands, resonating across various spheres, from socio-cultural to socio-economic realms.”
The book, filled with nostalgic testimonials and notes from Mr. Scott himself, boasts contributions from prominent figures including Elton Georges OBE, CMG; Canon Gibson, and Miss Adorothy Turnbull, among others.
Dr. Katherine Smith, Director of Culture, emphasized the profound link between education and societal development, praising Mrs. Wheatley’s endeavor to capture this connection.
“The individuals molded by Mr. Carlisle Scott at the Virgin Islands Secondary School went on to become pillars of society,” noted Dr. Smith. “Their achievements in diverse fields underscore the lasting impact of Mr. Scott’s leadership.”
The launch, set to take place at the Elmore Stoutt High School, promises to be a poignant event, offering attendees a chance to delve into the rich educational history of the Virgin Islands.
The Department of Culture encourages the public to join in celebrating local authors and preserving the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. For further details about the book launch program, individuals can contact the Department of Culture at 468-4379.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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