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Ernesto Upgraded to Hurricane, Significant Flooding Expected Across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

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The Caribbean region faces heightened threats as Tropical Storm Ernesto has now intensified into a hurricane, bringing with it the risk of significant flooding across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, as heavy rains persist and dangerous conditions loom.

Early Wednesday morning, August 14, Ernesto was upgraded to a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. The upgrade occurred around 11:00 AM local time when Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph, as forecasters had predicted. The storm is expected to strengthen further, potentially becoming a major hurricane in the next couple of days.

As of 11:00 AM AST (1500 UTC), Hurricane Ernesto was positioned near latitude 20.5 North and longitude 67.6 West, approximately 175 miles (280 km) northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and around 835 miles (1340 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. The storm is currently moving northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h), with a turn toward the north-northwest and then north expected later today and tonight. The storm is forecasted to continue a generally northward motion at a slower pace through Saturday.

Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph (120 km/h), with higher gusts reported, and the storm’s minimum central pressure has dropped to 991 mb (29.27 inches), signalling further intensification. Hurricane-force winds now extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach out as far as 230 miles (370 km).

The forecast track indicates that Ernesto will continue to move away from Puerto Rico today, gradually shifting across the western Atlantic over the next few days. The hurricane is expected to approach Bermuda by Friday and Saturday, potentially strengthening further as it progresses.

For residents in the affected areas, the combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds presents a serious threat. The persistent rains are likely to lead to significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions already saturated from previous downpours. Flooding could become widespread and severe, prompting local authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

The U.S. and British Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, are advised to continue monitoring the situation closely, heed all warnings, and take necessary precautions to protect life and property. As Ernesto advances, the situation remains fluid, and updates from the National Hurricane Center and local disaster management agencies will be critical for ensuring safety.

Health

BVI Red Cross and Harneys Host Free Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening

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The British Virgin Islands Red Cross, in partnership with Harneys, will host its Biennial Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening, aiming to provide essential health services and promote early detection of prostate cancer.

The free initiative will take place on Virgin Gorda on February 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Catholic Community Centre. On Tortola, the event will span two days, February 7 and 8, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for men worldwide, with early detection playing a critical role in improving treatment outcomes. Recognising this, the BVI Red Cross, supported by Harneys, seeks to ensure men across the territory have access to free screenings and health information.

“This initiative emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care,” said the Director of BVI Red Cross, Stacy Lloyd. “We are committed to creating opportunities for men to prioritise their health and access vital resources.”

In addition to prostate cancer screenings, the event will include a variety of health services and educational sessions on topics such as nutrition, mental health, and preventative care strategies. Local health professionals will be present to provide guidance and answer questions.

Organisers encourage men of all ages to attend the health fair and take advantage of the free screenings and consultations.

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Premier Wheatley Elected to Lead UK Overseas Territories Association

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Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has been elected President of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and will also serve as President of the Political Council.

Premier Wheatley expressed his vision for the role, stating, “This is not just about leadership; it’s about unity and collaboration. Together, we will harness our collective strengths to address the challenges we face, such as climate change and economic resilience, and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our territories. Our voices will be heard, and our aspirations will be realised.”

As part of this leadership change, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, has been appointed Chair of UKOTA. Bradshaw, who has been a key figure in UK-BVI relations, shared her thoughts on the new role: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of UKOTA. Alongside Premier Wheatley and our dedicated team, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the UK Overseas Territories are acknowledged and addressed with the utmost diligence and respect.”

UKOTA, which has served as a vital platform for the collaboration of UK Overseas Territories, enters an exciting new chapter with this leadership shift. The association plays a key role in advocating for the collective interests of the territories, ensuring they remain united on the international stage. The territories, despite their varying sizes and economic statuses, will now benefit from a more unified voice, aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, economic growth, and resilience.

Looking forward to 2025, UKOTA will build on the momentum of its 30th anniversary, a landmark achievement that highlights the importance of the association’s work in fostering cooperation across its member territories. UKOTA’s future efforts will be centred around strengthening relationships, enhancing dialogue, and ensuring equitable representation for all member territories, particularly smaller ones, whose concerns will be prioritized in discussions.

The appointment of Premier Wheatley as UKOTA President follows the Virgin Islands’ previous tenure in the leadership positions back in 2016 under Dr. Orlando Smith, OBE, with Benito Wheatley as Chair. This ongoing legacy of leadership reflects the Virgin Islands’ commitment to playing an active role in the advocacy and governance of UK Overseas Territories.

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British Virgin Islands Earns Coveted Spot on New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025″

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has claimed the #33 position on The New York Times’ prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2025” list, a definitive annual guide to global travel.

The recognition, revealed on January 9, highlights the BVI’s bounce-back strength and growing appeal, making it one of just two Caribbean destinations to make the list.

The BVI’s resurgence after the catastrophic Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 takes center stage in the listing, penned by Times journalist Nora Walsh. Highlighted are the revival of key luxury properties: the Bitter End Yacht Club, known for its upcoming over-the-water lofts set to debut this year; the newly envisioned Biras Marina & Resort; and the transformed Peter Island Resort, which reopened in December 2024 after an extensive overhaul.

Director of Tourism Clive McCoy hailed the recognition as a milestone in the territory’s recovery and evolution. “Our inclusion on this year’s list reflects not just our beauty but also the resilience, creativity, and unwavering hospitality that define the BVI,” McCoy said. “The revival of iconic properties, coupled with increased direct flights from the U.S., signals a bright future for tourism in the territory.”

The BVI’s placement on the list is expected to amplify its global profile, leveraging the Times’ vast audience of over 153 million monthly readers. The endorsement comes as the islands invest in both infrastructure and visitor experiences, offering pristine beaches, world-class sailing, and a vibrant cultural tapestry.

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