Local News
LIAT 2020 Takes to the Skies with Inaugural Flight to Saint Lucia
The newly formed LIAT 2020 launched its inaugural flight to Saint Lucia today, August 6, signaling the resurgence of the inter-regional airline following the bankruptcy of its predecessor, LIAT (1974) Ltd, in January this year.
The inaugural flight departed from V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua at 11:30 a.m., carrying a delegation of dignitaries and media representatives. The launch was preceded by a brief opening ceremony where Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, along with other officials, expressed their pride and optimism for the future of LIAT 2020.
Formed in partnership with Air Peace, a Nigerian private airline established in 2013, LIAT 2020 aims to restore and enhance regional connectivity. The new entity emerges from the shadow of LIAT 1974 Ltd, which had been under administration since July 24, 2020.
LIAT 2020 begins operations with a fleet of seven aircraft, initially offering a limited schedule of three flights per week between Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Barbados. This strategic launch is part of a broader vision to rebuild a reliable inter-island transport network that is vital for the economic and social fabric of the Caribbean.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Air Peace would invest nearly US$65 million into the venture, with the government of Antigua and Barbuda contributing an additional US$20 million.
While LIAT 2020 has yet to schedule flights to the British Virgin Islands (VI), there is growing anticipation that the airline will soon expand its routes to include this key destination. The VI, currently facing challenges with regional airline services, stands to benefit significantly from LIAT 2020’s enhanced connectivity.
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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