Local News
Caribbean Airlines Expands Route Network with New Service to Tortola, BVI
– Tickets for New Tortola Route Available Today
Caribbean Airlines is expanding its footprint in the Caribbean with the launch of a new route to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), set to begin on 14 October 2024.
This move is part of the airline’s strategic plan to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen its position as a leading carrier in the Caribbean.
The new service will operate four times a week, departing from the airline’s hub in Trinidad. This route will provide passengers with convenient connections to key destinations across the region, including Antigua, Barbados, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, expressed his excitement about the new route, emphasising the airline’s commitment to connecting the Caribbean. “Regional connectivity is at the heart of Caribbean Airlines’ mission. Our new service to Tortola is a significant step in our growth strategy, and we are committed to providing seamless travel experiences for our passengers,” Medera said. “By the end of this year, Caribbean Airlines will link the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English-speaking Caribbean with each other, as well as with the North American Diaspora, and business and leisure travellers who wish to explore our vibrant region.”
The announcement was also warmly welcomed by the British Virgin Islands’ tourism officials. Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission, noted the positive impact the new flights will have on the local economy. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with Caribbean Airlines’ decision to service our islands. Granting more people the opportunity to visit the BVI is a win for tourism. We look forward to welcoming the guests with BVI Love.”
This expansion is seen as a major step in fostering regional integration and boosting tourism and business travel throughout the Caribbean. By offering more direct flights and connections within the region, Caribbean Airlines is playing a crucial role in supporting the economic development of its destinations.
Tickets for the new route to Tortola will be available starting today, 12 August 2024. Passengers eager to explore the British Virgin Islands or take advantage of the expanded network can book their flights through the Caribbean Airlines website at www.caribbean-airlines.com.
With this latest addition to its route network, Caribbean Airlines continues to build on its promise to provide exceptional service and connect the Caribbean’s diverse cultures and destinations.
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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