Local News
British Virgin Islands Football Association Announces New Executive Council Following 2024 Elections
The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) has unveiled the results of its Executive Council elections, held during the Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2024. Members cast their votes to elect a new leadership team that will serve for the 2024-2028 term.
The newly elected Executive Council members are set to bring fresh energy and vision to the BVIFA, aiming to elevate football across all levels in the territory.
Avanell Morton has been elected as President. With a long-standing history of involvement in BVI football, Morton brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role. He is committed to driving the association forward and enhancing the development of football at all levels in the territory.
Joining Morton is Andy Davis, elected as the 1st Vice President. Davis has been a dedicated advocate for the sport, significantly contributing to its growth in the BVI through various initiatives and programs. His ongoing dedication to football is expected to foster positive changes within the association.
Lorrelle Abrams, previously serving as Secretary, has been elected as the 2nd Vice President. Abrams’ dedication and leadership in her previous roles have been instrumental in the growth of the BVIFA, and she looks forward to continuing her efforts in this new capacity.
Rounding out the leadership team are Treasurer Kenrick Grant and Directors Priya Mohamed, Craig Grant, and Wendell Nichols. Each officer brings unique skills and a shared vision for the future of football in the British Virgin Islands. Together, they aim to promote inclusivity, enhance training programs, and increase participation at the grassroots level.
Following the election results, President Avanell Morton expressed his gratitude and excitement. “I am honored to be elected as the President of the BVIFA. Our new executive team is committed to building on the strong foundation laid by our predecessors and taking BVI football to new heights. We have ambitious plans to develop our infrastructure, support our athletes, and engage our community more than ever before.”
The newly elected Council wasted no time in outlining their initial orders of business. Their first priority is to meet with FIFA and Concacaf representatives, who have pledged ongoing support for the BVIFA. This meeting is expected to set the tone for future collaborations and initiatives.
Additionally, the Council will attend a church service on Sunday, June 30, 2024, to mark the beginning of their term with a moment of reflection and community engagement. This event signifies the Council’s commitment to uniting the community around the shared passion for football.
In the coming weeks, the Council will establish a six-month plan to address immediate goals and set objectives for their first 100 days in office. These steps are crucial in laying the groundwork for a successful term. Furthermore, a four-year strategic plan will be developed to guide the association’s long-term vision and initiatives.
The BVIFA extends heartfelt thanks to the outgoing committee members for their dedication and contributions. Their efforts have set the stage for continued success and growth within the association, paving the way for the new leadership to build upon their achievements.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
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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