Local News
Hurricane Beryl: Catastrophic Category 5 Storm Targets Jamaica After Devastating Caribbean Islands

Hurricane Beryl, now a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm, has set its sights on Jamaica after leaving at least three persons dead and causing widespread devastation across several Caribbean islands on Monday.
The storm is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica on Wednesday, and the Cayman Islands will be impacted on Thursday, where a hurricane watch has been issued.
Beryl is making history as it marks an unusually early start to the hurricane season, being the earliest Category 5 hurricane and only the second Atlantic storm of such strength recorded in July. Its alarming intensification is fueled by abnormally warm ocean waters, a consequence of fossil fuel-driven climate change.
In just minutes, Beryl tore through Grenada on Monday, destroying buildings and knocking out power and phone service for nearly all residents. “In half an hour, Carriacou was flattened,” Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said.
A path of “immense destruction, pain (and) suffering” swept through St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where at least one person has died, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Many areas, including hospitals, are without electricity, and some lack water. Approximately 90% of homes on Union Island are damaged or destroyed, with hundreds more homes, schools, churches, and government buildings in St. Vincent severely impacted.
“Tomorrow we get up with our commitment and conviction to rebuild our lives and our families’ lives,” Gonsalves said Monday night.
Despite potential fluctuations in strength, Beryl is expected to remain an “extremely dangerous major hurricane” (Category 3 or stronger) through mid-week, the hurricane center reported. The storm will continue to bring strong winds, torrential rain, and hazardous seas across much of the Caribbean, even if it doesn’t make landfall in Jamaica. Its outer bands will still have significant impacts.
The Latest on Beryl
Jamaica Braces for Severe Impacts: A hurricane warning is in place for Jamaica, where hurricane conditions are expected on Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated earlier in the day, with storm surges raising water levels by 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels and rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches.
Dominican Republic and Haiti Under Storm Warnings: The southern coasts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic are under tropical storm warnings, with conditions beginning Tuesday. Storm surges up to 3 feet and rainfall totals up to 6 inches are possible.
Extended State of Emergency in Grenada: Due to severe damage, the state of emergency has been extended until July 7, said Neila K. Ettienne, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office. About 95% of Grenada has lost power, with telecommunications and internet services down in some areas.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rush to Restore Power: Local authorities are “working feverishly, urgently and with great focus to get electricity in certain places tonight,” Prime Minister Gonsalves stated. Many trees have fallen on power lines, but government buildings will reopen Tuesday, and business owners are urged to open if possible.
Huge Blow to Barbados Fishing Industry: Though Barbados avoided the brunt of the storm, significant storm surge damaged many fishing vessels, a massive loss to the fishing industry. At least 20 boats have sunk, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley reported. Fishermen at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex could only watch helplessly as waves destroyed their livelihoods.
Cricket Team and Fans Stranded: Some cricket fans and the winning Indian team at the T20 World Cup in Barbados were stranded as Hurricane Beryl forced Grantley Adams International Airport to suspend operations. However, the Indian team is expected to leave Tuesday after the airport’s planned reopening, Mottley said.
Beryl has shattered numerous records, indicating a troubling start to a hurricane season influenced by global warming. On Sunday, it became the earliest major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the Atlantic in 58 years and the only one to reach Category 4 status in June. It is also the strongest hurricane known to have passed through the southern Windward Islands, based on NOAA data dating back to 1851.
The storm’s rapid development is attributed to ocean temperatures that are as warm now as they would typically be at the peak of the hurricane season, said Jim Kossin, a hurricane expert and science advisor at the nonprofit First Street Foundation. “Hurricanes don’t know what month it is, they only know what their ambient environment is,” Kossin explained. “Beryl is breaking records for the month of June because Beryl thinks it’s September.”
The unusually warm ocean temperatures fueling Beryl’s unprecedented strengthening “certainly have a human fingerprint on them,” Kossin added.
As Beryl continues its path through the Caribbean, communities brace for its impact, demonstrating resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Local News
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
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