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Public Works Department Bolsters Emergency Response Ahead of Active Hurricane Season

As the British Virgin Islands braces for a highly active hurricane season, the Public Works Department is stepping up its emergency response capabilities.
Forecasters predict 17 to 25 storms will form in the Atlantic between June 1 and the end of November, with at least eight expected to develop into full-blown hurricanes. Four to seven of these could become major hurricanes.
Director of the Public Works Department, Mr. Jeremy Hodge, revealed that a series of meetings were held earlier this year with heavy equipment operators to enhance the Territory’s emergency response efforts following natural disasters and unforeseen events.
“In February, we had some Territory-wide meetings with operators to find the best way to have them engaged as a first response after natural disasters and unforeseen events that require an emergency response,” Mr. Hodge stated.
As a result of these discussions, the Public Works Department successfully mobilised teams to clear roadways and debris, ensuring public access to thoroughfares during emergencies.
Mr. Hodge also announced that the department is in the process of establishing a comprehensive framework and is inviting heavy equipment owners to register with the department. Owners, whether they have previously worked with the department or not, are encouraged to reapply by emailing their information to pwd@gov.vg.
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Major Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) carried out a series of high-impact operations in the first quarter of 2025, resulting in significant seizures of illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition. The enforcement actions, part of a broader crackdown on criminal activity, reflect stepped-up efforts to disrupt narcotics distribution and remove unlicensed weapons from the streets.
The operations are part of intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and remove unlicensed weapons from circulation.
Between January and March, RVIPF officers confiscated more than 12 kilograms of cannabis, 2,900 mature cannabis plants, and 2,447 seedlings. The seizures are part of an ongoing initiative to dismantle local drug distribution networks and reduce the availability of illicit substances across the islands.
In parallel with drug enforcement operations, police also recovered seven pistols and two rifles—exceeding the number of firearms seized during the same period in 2024. Ammunition confiscations more than doubled, rising from 152 rounds in early 2024 to 389 rounds in the first three months of this year.
Authorities noted a high charge rate in possession cases, underscoring what the RVIPF described as a continued zero-tolerance policy toward illegal weaponry. The enforcement activity is supported by intelligence-led policing and strengthened community cooperation.
“These results reflect the success of targeted enforcement strategies and community partnerships,” the RVIPF said in a statement accompanying the release of the data.
The figures were published alongside broader crime statistics indicating that serious criminal offenses, including assaults, sexual offenses, and burglaries, have reached their lowest first-quarter levels in five years. Police attributed the overall decline to coordinated operations and increased public engagement.
The RVIPF has committed to maintaining its current pace of enforcement through the remainder of the year.
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Pope Francis Dies at 88: World Mourns Transformative Leader of the Catholic Church

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas, died on Sunday at the age of 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy defined by humility, social advocacy, and efforts to modernise the Church. The Vatican confirmed his death late Sunday evening in a brief statement, noting he passed away peacefully at the Apostolic Palace, surrounded by senior clergy and aides.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His elevation as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Global South signalled a shift in the Church’s global focus. His leadership inspired millions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where his messages of compassion, environmental stewardship, and economic justice found deep resonance.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis worked tirelessly to address some of the most complex issues facing the modern Church—sexual abuse scandals, declining attendance, and widening political divides. He was both praised and criticised for his efforts to reach across ideological lines, calling for greater inclusion within the Church, particularly towards the LGBTQ community, divorced Catholics, and interfaith dialogue.
In the Caribbean, a region with a deep Catholic heritage, Pope Francis was seen as a moral voice and a beacon of reform. His 2015 visit to Cuba helped pave the way for a historic thaw in US–Cuba relations, while his outspoken stance on climate change galvanised support for environmental movements across island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensifying hurricanes.
“Pope Francis was a man of the people. His commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and our common home touched the lives of many here in the Caribbean,” said Bishop Harold Richards of the Antilles Episcopal Conference. “He brought a human face to the Church.”
Though increasingly frail in recent years, Francis continued to carry out his duties with determination. He remained active in Vatican affairs until only weeks before his passing, delivering his final public message on Easter Sunday, in which he called for peace in the Middle East and solidarity with migrants worldwide.
A conclave of cardinals will be convened in the coming weeks to elect a new pope. In the meantime, the College of Cardinals will oversee the governance of the Church.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of bold compassion, spiritual leadership, and a vision of a more open, engaged, and globally conscious Catholic Church. Across the Caribbean and the world, churches will toll their bells in mourning—and in gratitude for a life of service.
Funeral services are expected to be held later this week in St Peter’s Basilica. A national day of mourning has been declared in Argentina.
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Leatherback Nesting Season Commences in BVI: Conservationists Seek Community Support

As the leatherback sea turtle nesting season begins across the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are preparing for potential nesting activity. While sightings have been reported in neighboring regions, no nests have been documented in the BVI yet. The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), a local non-profit dedicated to marine conservation, is urging residents and visitors to report any turtle tracks or nesting activity promptly. Early detection is crucial, especially if nests are located in vulnerable areas where eggs may need to be relocated to ensure their survival.
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