The Government of the Virgin Islands has released its 2025 Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the jurisdiction’s financial sector and aligning with global efforts to combat terrorist financing. The report reflects a proactive approach to identifying and addressing emerging threats, while maintaining the Territory’s standing as a responsible and compliant international financial center.

Building on its inaugural 2020 assessment, the new report was developed by a cross-agency working group under the oversight of the National Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Council. It offers an in-depth evaluation of the Territory’s vulnerabilities to terrorist financing and identifies key areas for policy and regulatory reform.

While the assessment concludes that the Virgin Islands continues to pose a low risk for the collection and deployment of terrorist funds, it highlights a medium-high risk associated with the movement of funds through British Virgin Islands (BVI) entities—particularly those operating via virtual asset platforms and complex corporate structures. These areas, the report notes, are susceptible to misuse due to their cross-border nature and the rapid pace of technological innovation.

The report’s findings are accompanied by a series of targeted recommendations. These include enhanced training for agencies on the front lines, improved detection mechanisms for virtual asset-related threats, and increased data sharing among local and international enforcement and regulatory bodies.

Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, who also chairs the Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Council, said the assessment reaffirms the Territory’s “commitment to proactive, data-driven decision-making in the fight against terrorist financing.”

“We take our responsibility to uphold international standards extremely seriously,” Wheatley said. “These findings will guide the next phase of our reforms, particularly in strengthening regulatory frameworks for virtual assets, improving interagency coordination, and reinforcing our sanctions enforcement efforts.”

The 2025 assessment integrates insights from recent national risk evaluations of legal persons, legal arrangements, and non-profit organisations, and incorporates guidance from the Virgin Islands’ 2024 Mutual Evaluation Report. It also draws upon international case studies and patterns of misuse involving BVI entities.

What might begin as a simple hike often turns into something more — a meaningful journey of discovery, culture, and hands-on learning. That’s the experience VI Camping is creating through its Bayside Excursions, a growing initiative that’s helping families reconnect with the land and traditions of the Virgin Islands.

Founded and led by Island Experience Curator Dean Titley — a former educator who spent years teaching before retiring — VI Camping is more than just a recreational outing. It’s an immersive outdoor classroom designed to revive the traditional skills and knowledge that once shaped daily life in the BVI.

Each excursion blends low-impact hiking with cultural education. On Beef Island, participants follow a mostly flat trail through mangroves and striking rock formations before reaching “Honeycomb Cave,” a breathtaking natural structure dotted with stone pockets and tide pools — a place that sparks both exploration and quiet reflection.

“All our excursions have an educational component,” Titley said. “It’s about learning the traditional skills that helped our people live off the land—how to take out a conch, clean fish, make fire, and understand the environment that surrounds us.”

While not every activity happens on every outing, past trips have included everything from bow and arrow lessons to fish-cleaning demos and marine life observation — giving participants a taste of the islands’ natural richness and cultural depth.

Since launching earlier this year, VI Camping has hosted several small-group adventures, and the feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve only done a few trips so far, but the kids loved every moment,” Titley said. “They’re learning valuable skills while having fun — and more importantly, developing a connection to their heritage.”

The next Bayside Adventure takes place Sunday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m., departing from Beef Island. This family-friendly hike will focus on nature exploration and local storytelling, with the possibility of some interactive activities based on time and group size.

Participation costs $25 for children and $40 for adults, with a deposit required to confirm your spot. To register, contact 284-547-9984 or 284-547-3953 via WhatsApp.

For Titley, it’s about more than what’s discovered on the trail — it’s about what families take home.

“It’s not just about the hike,” he said. “It’s about legacy. We want these kids to grow up proud of where they’re from and confident in what they can do.”

As the Virgin Islands continue to attract sun-seekers and sailors from around the world, it’s efforts like VI Camping that keep the local heritage alive—one child, one hike, and one conch shell at a time.

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.

According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.

Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”

The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.

The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.