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.
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Local News
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
-
Uncategorized2 weeks ago
USVI Artist Pressure Robbed at Gunpoint After Black on Black Concert
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
VG Stabbing Victim Identified as Thomas Alexander
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Gun Creek Stabbing Victim Succumbs To Injuries
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
Akim Stevens Charged in Burglaries After Homeowners Share Video on Social Media
-
Crime/Police3 days ago
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Burnt-Out Vehicle Discovered at Brewers Bay, Suspected to Be Missing Kia
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
Man Charged in East End Burglaries, Placed on Curfew
-
Crime/Police6 days ago
Drew Farrell Charged With Manslaughter in Virgin Gorda Stabbing