NEWS
  • CDC Investigates Illness Outbreak on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas || BVI Governor Attends Men's Health Fair as Community Pushes for Wellness || St. George’s Secondary and VISTS Advance in Inter-Secondary School Debates || BVI Citizens Do Not Require Visas for Travel to Guyana || MPs Criticise British Virgin Islands Over New Corporate Ownership Register. ||. BVI Welcomes Six American Airlines Flights in One Day, Boosting Tourism || CIBC Caribbean Helps Restock Family Support Network Pantry in BVI || Tortola Auto Group Rolls Out "Deals 2 Love" Sales Event for Valentine’s Day || Three Women Set Their Sights on Miss RVIPF 2025 Title || BVI Government Launches “Business Done RIGHT” Campaign to Strengthen Financial Integrity || BVI to Honour Late Educator Ruby Smith-Newberry with Literary and Cultural Celebration || PAW BVI Nears Milestone of 5,000 Spay/Neuter Surgeries || ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
Connect with us

Uncategorized

The Crown Lands Management Bill Advances Following Comprehensive Public Consultation

Published

on

The Crown Lands Management Bill has successfully passed its second and third readings in the House of Assembly, marking a significant step forward in land management policy.

This legislative progress follows a thorough consultation process that engaged residents from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. The consultation included seven public meetings spearheaded by Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, alongside officials from his ministry. Input was gathered from two focus groups, and numerous written submissions were received from the public.

On June 17, the House of Assembly convened to debate the Bill, which emphasises the rights of Virgin Islanders regarding land access and ensures transparency and community interest in the management processes. The Bill then proceeded to the committee stage for further scrutiny.

Honourable Dr. Wheatley remarked, “The Wickham’s Cay lands are managed through the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority, under its own legislation. This will remain unchanged. For areas like Anegada, Salt Island, and North Sound, Virgin Gorda, standing committees will be established. We are confident that many of the concerns raised have been addressed during the committee stage.”

Premier Wheatley also advised those directly affected by the Bill to await official communications from the Government for further details.

The newly formed Standing Committees will collaborate with the Ministry via the Crown Lands Management Board to create clear criteria for ancestral land claims and specify the required documentation for such claims.

Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, stated that the Ministry is prepared and eager to work with the Crown Lands Management Board on this critical issue of land ownership, as recognised in The Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

After the Governor’s assent to the Bill, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change will hold additional public meetings to educate the community about the Act’s provisions.

The Crown Lands Management Bill outlines the administration, management, development, and transparent disposal of all Crown Lands within the Territory, aiming to ensure fair and efficient land use.

Uncategorized

Another Section of Threlfalls Collapses, Prompting Safety Concerns

Published

on

By

A new section of the Threlfalls road collapsed earlier today, April 18, raising renewed safety concerns among local residents and commuters. While no injuries have been reported, the incident has intensified scrutiny over the ongoing structural stability of the area.

Residents have expressed concern that today’s rainfall may have played a role in triggering the latest collapse.

“We are more worried now as we may soon be unable to traverse this road altogether,” one resident said. “I am worried about accessing my home.”

This is not the first time Threadfall road has been compromised. Another section of the roadway eroded in September 2024 following a period of intense rainfall. The Department of Public Works had subsequently conducted limited repairs, rendering that portion somewhat passable. However, long-standing issues persist.

The road has suffered extensive damage over the years, particularly following the passage of the hurricanes in 2017, which left critical parts of the route severely weakened.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of today’s collapse. In the meantime, JTV is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid the area if possible.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Alcohol Sales Now Permitted After 6 P.M. on Good Friday

Published

on

By

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have amended earlier Good Friday restrictions, now allowing businesses to open and serve alcohol beginning at 6:00 p.m. this evening, Friday, April 18th.

The initial guidance, which called for full-day closures and a pause on alcohol service out of respect for the religious observance, drew mixed reactions from residents and business owners alike. Officials announced the revision early Friday afternoon, stating the decision reflects a balance between honoring tradition and supporting the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

Regular business operations are set to resume as normal starting Saturday, April 19.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

BVI Shuts Down Liquor Sales for Good Friday — Violators Face Fines, Police Warn

Published

on

By

the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has ordered the complete shutdown of liquor-selling establishments across the territory for Good Friday, warning that violators will face immediate penalties. The directive, backed by the Liquor Licence Act of 1964, comes with fines for both business owners and patrons found in breach of the law.

The order, issued under CAP 42 (1) of the Liquor Licence Act, 1964, requires that all premises licensed to sell intoxicating liquor — excluding clubs and hotels — remain closed for the entire day on Friday, April 18, 2025. This regulation is in line with legal provisions that mandate business closures on specific public holidays.

Further restrictions prohibit the reopening of these establishments before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Authorities stated that any early operation would be deemed a violation subject to enforcement.

Penalties for non-compliance include fines ranging from $150 to $200 for business operators. In addition, individuals found on the premises of establishments operating in violation of the law may be fined $25.

The RVIPF emphasised that these measures are intended to ensure orderly observance of the holiday and adherence to existing legislation. The public notice concluded with thanks to residents for their cooperation and extended wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday period.

ADVERTISEMENT:

Continue Reading

Trending