Local News
Safe Haven Transitional Centre Completes Feminine Hygiene Drive
The Safe Haven Transitional Centre (SHTC) has successfully concluded its Feminine Hygiene Drive Outreach Initiative, which was launched in May. The initiative aimed to provide essential hygiene products to women in need across the Virgin Islands, collecting donations of items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, toilet paper, combs, mouthwash, bath soaps, and feminine towels.
Director of SHTC, Mrs. Nellville Bronstorph, announced that ninety-four feminine hygiene packs were assembled from the generous donations received. These were distributed to the Sister Islands through a collaborative effort with Sister Island Coordinator, Mrs. Monel Nickie. The primary goal of the drive was to reach out to women in the Virgin Islands, especially those on the Sister Islands, who are in need of these products.
“This Feminine Hygiene Drive Outreach was birthed out of a desire to make a small but impactful contribution to females within the Territory who we felt might appreciate receiving the items,” Mrs. Bronstorph explained. She added that the initiative was a step towards promoting health, dignity, and well-being for women who might be unemployed, under-employed, or facing other life challenges.
The overwhelming response to the drive allowed the Centre to exceed its initial targets. “Because of this, we were able to provide packages to a wider range of females, particularly in Tortola, after meeting our targets for the Sister Islands. We are beyond grateful to the businesses and individuals who donated,” Mrs. Bronstorph said.
In total, forty-four feminine hygiene packs were distributed on Tortola, twenty-three on Virgin Gorda, seventeen on Jost Van Dyke, and ten on Anegada. Key contributors to the initiative included the Unite BVI Foundation, Road Town Wholesale, Vanterpool Pharmacy, Alphonso Warner Insurance Agency, Republic Bank BVI, CCT BVI, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Akilah Corbin, and Nicosie Dummett. Essential logistical support was provided by Road Town Fast Ferry, New Horizon Ferry Services, and Mr. Trevor Bridgewater, who played crucial roles in transporting the items to the Sister Islands.
The Safe Haven Transitional Centre remains committed to being a catalyst for social change, helping individuals transform their lives under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
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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