Local News
Annill Daniel Assumes Presidency of the Rotary Club of Central Tortola
– Past District Governor Vance Lewis Honoured
The Rotary Club of Central Tortola (RCCT) has inducted Annill Daniel as President for the 2024/2025 Rotary Year. Daniel steps into the role following the successful tenure of Sanjay Surtani, who now serves as the Immediate Past President.
In his inaugural address, Daniel expressed gratitude to all RCCT members for their unwavering commitment and contributions, emphasising the collective growth and success that define the spirit of Rotary excellence. “We embark on this journey together, poised to make a meaningful impact on our community and beyond,” he remarked. “It is through our combined efforts that we will achieve extraordinary results.”
The Rotary Club also introduced its newly elected Board of Directors, a distinguished group of seasoned professionals bringing extensive corporate experience and a fervent passion for community service in the Virgin Islands. The incoming board members include:
- President-Elect: Zoe Walcott
- Immediate Past President: Sanjay Surtani
- Secretary: Gaelle Maduro
- Treasurer: Andrae Adams
- Sergeant-at-Arms: Claude Skelton-Cline
- Directors: PDG Vance Lewis, PP Nelcia St. Jean, PP Shan Mohamed, Shaquilla Smith, Laura Greces, Andrae Adams
The evening also honoured two exceptional Rotarians for their stellar contributions and achievements. Past District Governor Vance Lewis received the prestigious Rotary International Citation Award for achieving Major Donor Level 2, a recognition granted to individuals who have donated over $25,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Lewis’s generosity and dedication have profoundly impacted the community and beyond.
Additionally, Rotarian Vajendra Bharat was named Rotarian of the Year for the 2023-2024 term, celebrating his outstanding commitment and contributions to the club’s mission. Bharat exemplifies Rotary’s core values, embodying the spirit of “service above self” in every endeavour. His unwavering dedication and exemplary service inspire all and strengthen the Rotary community’s fabric.
The Rotary Club of Central Tortola extends its congratulations to Annill Daniel on assuming the presidency and expresses profound gratitude to Sanjay Surtani for his invaluable service as Immediate Past President. The successful installation of President Annill Daniel and the entire board for the 2024/25 term was celebrated at the Installation Cocktails event at Coco Maya, Virgin Gorda. The event, set against a stunning beach backdrop with vibrant “Beach Chic” attire, was a night to remember.
A heartfelt thank you was extended to everyone who attended and made the evening special. From the ferry’s departure to the wonderful conversations, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails, the event was a testament to the magic of Rotary and the spirit of community service.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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