Local News
BVI to Go Up Against Dominica Today in CFU Boy’s U-14 Challenge Series
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) U-14 boys’ football team is set to go up against Dominica today, August 16, at 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, as they begin their participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boy’s U-14 Challenge Series.
The tournament, which brings together 23 nations from across the Caribbean, is being held in Trinidad and Tobago from 16 to 25 August.
Following opening match against Dominica, Nature Boys will face Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday, August 17, US Virgin Islands on Monday, August 19 and Anguilla on Tuesday August 20.
The BVI squad, led by Captain Myles Penn, includes talented players Trevon Stevens, Emery Jones, Carlon Stewart, Kyrique Matthew, Zed Chalwell, Quinn Pascoe, Quacey Cooper, Kerjahni Prevost, Devin Daley, Akhori Sebastian, T’YRique Charles, Sha’Mauri Lennard, Ethan Mohamed, Caedon Fraites, Audony Gangoo, Joel Gilford, James Tucker Davis, Delanie Gordon and Bryson Walters.
The team is supported by a dedicated group of officials: Head Coach Jozette Gregg, Assistant Coach Thomas Albert, Goalkeeper Coach and Kit Manager Morris Mark, Trainer Jeffery Demming, Physiologist Chester James and Team Manager Priya Mohamed.
The CFU, dedicated to the management and development of football in the region, serves as an umbrella platform for 31 football-playing nations in the Caribbean. This year, 23 of these nations are showcasing their young talents in this multi-country football series.
The tournament structure divides the teams into two tiers. Tier 1 includes the top eight teams, while the remaining 15 teams compete in Tier 2. Within Tier 2, the BVI U-14 boys’ team has been placed in Group B, alongside Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, the US Virgin Islands, and Dominica.
The CFU Boy’s U-14 Challenge Series is viewed as a crucial platform for nurturing young talent in the region, with fans calling for greater attention to be paid to the sport, particularly in nations not participating this year.
Local News
Virgin Islands Avoids Direct Rule Through Sweeping Governance Reforms

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has credited the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to sweeping governance reforms for avoiding direct rule by the United Kingdom, a critical moment in the Territory’s political history.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley highlighted the dedication of public officers who were instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms to preserve local self-governance.
“The period challenged us as British Virgin Islanders to the core and forced us to confront some harsh realities of our governance deficiencies,” Wheatley said. “We had to make the choices necessary to uphold the values imparted to us by our fore parents. We had to defend who we are as a people and protect our future aspirations.”
The reform process, initiated in response to the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report, required the establishment of new structures, processes, and procedures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Despite these challenges, Wheatley praised the resilience of public officers who managed both the reforms and their regular duties under demanding conditions.
“Our public officers developed and implemented the structures, processes, and procedures necessary for the reforms while simultaneously managing daily operations,” he said. “This was especially challenging given the systemic conditions highlighted in the COI Report.”
The Government’s recently submitted Self-Assessment Report to the UK is a critical component in determining whether the Order in Council to partially suspend the British Virgin Islands Constitution will be lifted.
Wheatley expressed optimism that the Territory is now on a path toward greater self-governance, supported by a newly approved Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines the next steps in the ongoing transformation.
“Today is a day we should all applaud,” Wheatley said. “It symbolizes our collective resilience and commitment to the ideals that make us British Virgin Islanders and commits us to the pursuit of self-determination.”
Health
Virgin Islands Centenarian Receives First $10,000 Grant Under New Government Program

Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.
This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.
“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.
He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”
The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:
-
Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years
-
Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years
-
Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years
-
Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years
-
Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years
-
Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years
-
Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years
The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.
International
Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago Elected as Pope Leo XIV

– First American Pontiff in Catholic Church History
The College of Cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two-millennia history.
The announcement came at 6:07 p.m. local time, when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave’s fourth ballot. Shortly thereafter, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Appearing before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV offered his first apostolic blessing and addressed the faithful with a message of peace: “Peace be with all of you! I want this salute of peace to enter your heart, reach your families, and all people, and all the peoples, and the whole world.”
Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru, where he taught theology and held various administrative roles within the Church. In 2023, he was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a position that placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a unifying choice amid ideological divisions within the Church. His background reflects a commitment to inclusivity and dialogue, values that align with the synodal approach emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for a Church that is “engaged with the modern world and always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering.”
The new pontiff faces a range of pressing challenges, including fostering unity within a polarized Church, addressing global conflicts, and continuing efforts to reform Church governance and address past abuses. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these complex issues.
Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with congratulations from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the historic moment, stating, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our … .”
As the Catholic Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s guidance, the faithful and observers alike look forward to the direction he will set for the global community of believers.
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Three Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
-
Crime/Police4 days ago
Man Detained in Alleged Break-In, Police Notified
-
Crime/Police4 days ago
Jamari Scatliffe Charged in Free Bottom Nightclub Shooting
-
Local News2 weeks ago
One Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Uncategorized2 hours ago
Nyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Uncategorized2 days ago
RVIPF Cracks Down on Illegal Motorbikes with Crushing Initiative
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Chef Kenneth Molyneaux Serves Up BVI National Dish at Miami’s Deering Seafood Festival
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
Men Released Without Charge in Firearm Case as Investigation Continues