Connect with us

Local News

TB Lettsome International Airport to Reopen at 4:45 PM Today

Published

on

The BVI Airports Authority has announced that the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport will reopen today, 14 August, at 4:45 PM, following the all-clear signal issued after the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The announcement comes from the Authority’s Managing Director, Mr Kurt Menal, who also confirmed that the airports on Virgin Gorda and Anegada will resume operations tomorrow, 15 August, at 8:00 AM.

Mr Menal emphasised that the decision to reopen was made only after it was deemed safe for the public. “The decision to reopen the airports was made after the all-clear was given for the Territory following the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto and it was determined safe to do so,” Mr Menal stated.

The reopening of the airports marks a critical step in resuming normal operations in the Virgin Islands, as residents and visitors look to resume their travel plans post-storm. Travellers are urged to contact their respective airlines for any concerns regarding their flight schedules.

The BVI Airports Authority expressed gratitude to the travelling public for their patience during this period. “Safety is our #1 Priority,” the Authority reiterated, thanking the community for its cooperation as they worked to ensure a safe reopening of the airports.

Health

Karelynne Jimenez, Aiden Thompson Take Top Spots in Environmental Health Contest

Published

on

By

Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.

The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.

Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.

During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.

“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”

Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.

The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.

Continue Reading

International

BVI Urges UK and Other Colonial Powers to Support Self-Determination of Remaining Territories

Published

on

By

In a direct appeal to the international community, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has called on the United Kingdom and other colonial powers to set aside their national interests and support the self-determination of the 17 remaining non-self-governing territories under the mandate of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24).

Speaking at the UN’s Pacific regional seminar on decolonisation, held in the Timorese capital Dili from 21st to 23rd May, BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley urged administering powers to recommit to the principles of decolonisation and support a meaningful pathway to self-government for the remaining territories on the UN’s list.

“We all must work together to make progress on decolonisation,” Mr Wheatley said in his address. “I know it is hard to separate national interests from the process, but an effort must at least be made to work in the best interest of Non-Self-Governing Territories.”

He added that the Special Committee should prioritise the dispatch of visiting missions “where this is practicable,” noting that “the politics of the process is very complicated and requires dialogue, but no effort should be spared.”

The BVI, which hosted a UN visiting mission in August 2024, was recognised in the mission’s report for its advancement toward full internal self-government. The mission also recommended the establishment of a timetable for the Territory’s eventual independence.

Mr Wheatley expressed appreciation for the UN’s engagement and reiterated the Territory’s commitment to good governance and democratic reform. He also used the opportunity to highlight the broader need for sustainable development assistance, particularly in the face of growing climate threats.

“To truly advance self-determination, UN agencies must play a more active role in supporting the development priorities of these Territories,” Mr Wheatley stated. He urged the C-24 to adopt a resolution at its upcoming June session that would allow UN agencies to utilise their regular programme budgets to support Territories classified as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), especially those that are associate members of regional commissions such as ECLAC and ESCAP.

In a firm message to London, Mr Wheatley also called on the United Kingdom to formally withdraw the Order in Council currently held in reserve, which grants it the power to suspend the BVI’s constitution and impose direct rule if triggered.

“There is no longer an excuse for the UK to maintain this unnecessary, undemocratic and blunt colonial instrument over the Territory,” he said, noting that the BVI had completed the governance reform programme agreed in 2022.

The UN’s list of territories yet to be decolonised includes American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and Western Sahara.

The seminar in Dili marks a continuation of the UN’s longstanding commitment to decolonisation — a process that remains incomplete nearly eight decades after the adoption of the UN Charter.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Neil Frett Named Honouree as 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Officially Launched

Published

on

By

Mr Neil Frett

Chair Natalie Penn-Lake Emphasises Culture, History, and Inclusivity

The 71st annual Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival was officially launched today, May 30,  heralding a month-long celebration under the theme “Uniting Our Culture, Freedom, and Joy in the Virgin Islands for Festival 2025.” The winning slogan by Jacob Edwards, “Embrace the Past, Let Unity Thrive, as we Celebrate Our Culture at Festival 2025,” encapsulates the spirit of this year’s events—centred on reflection, unity, and cultural pride.

This year’s honouree, Mr Neil Frett, was announced during the launch ceremony. Frett is being recognised for his longstanding commitment to Virgin Islands culture and heritage, particularly through his contributions to community and the arts.

Newly appointed Chair of the VI Festivals and Fairs Committee, Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake, brings a clear vision to the celebrations—one that prioritises cultural awareness, education for the youth, and community engagement.

“We’re excited about what this year’s festivities will bring,” said Mrs Penn-Lake. “We are more interested in also community being safe, bringing more togetherness, more cultural activities. You will see that in the line-up this year, where we have a lot more inclusivity of Virgin Islands history and country culture, so our young people understand where we were, where we are now, and where we are going.”

Mr. Neil Frett and Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake

With a professional background in tourism and education, Penn-Lake is keen to use the Festival as a teaching tool. “Understanding our history and our culture is very important, because the only way you can move forward is to know where you came from,” she explained. She added that she often challenges students with cultural trivia in schools to strengthen their knowledge, particularly for situations where visitors may ask questions about Virgin Islands history.

The Emancipation Festival officially begins on 13th July and concludes on 9th August, with activities scheduled across Road Town, East End, and Carrot Bay. “Eastern will have two days of activities. Carrot Bay will have three days,” Mrs Penn-Lake confirmed. “We’re inviting everybody to come out, support, have a great time, be safe, be happy, and let’s just make this Festival a great one.”

Jacob Edwards and Mrs. Briana Henley-Mather

The festival schedule features major cultural staples such as the Miss BVI Pageant (13th July), the Torchlight Procession and Festival Village Opening (25th July), Kiddies Fiesta, Latin Music Night, Calypso Show, and Soca Monarch. Traditional events such as the Rise & Shine Tramp and Jouvert in East End, the Grand Parade, and cultural showcases in Carrot Bay also remain integral to the line-up.

Those abroad and in the diaspora are being encouraged to plan their visit early. “You can plan your trip now. We want you to come home—come home, come home!” Mrs Penn-Lake urged. Details of the full entertainment schedule and artist line-up are being shared via the official Virgin Islands Festival Facebook page (@virginislandsfestival).

The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival continues to honour the legacy of freedom and resilience, while celebrating the territory’s rich heritage through music, pageantry, food, and community spirit.

May be an image of 4 people and text

ADVERTISEMENT:

Continue Reading

Trending