A prison officer was stabbed during an altercation with a prisoner at His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut on Sunday, March 30, shortly after 1:00 PM.

At this time, the condition of both the officer and the prisoner remains unknown, and no further details have been confirmed.

Authorities have launched an investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is taking major steps to modernize its maritime legislation through the Maritime Law Review Project, aiming to enhance safety, environmental protection, and enforcement capabilities.

Premier and Minister responsible for Maritime Administration and Shipping, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, emphasised the importance of these reforms. “The Virgin Islands is committed to upholding the highest standards in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection,” he said. “These legislative reforms will not only ensure our compliance with international obligations but also reinforce our ability to effectively regulate, enforce, and support the global maritime industry. Strengthening our legal framework demonstrates our commitment to responsible flag state administration and enhances our position as a premier maritime jurisdiction.”

A key component of the reform effort, the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is scheduled for its second reading and debate when the House of Assembly resumes on March 31. The bill introduces crucial amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, 2001, and related regulations, aligning the territory’s laws with international maritime standards, particularly the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) III Code.

The proposed changes focus on four primary areas. The amendments address deficiencies identified in the IMO’s III Code audit by ensuring the enactment of mandatory international conventions into national law. The bill will also introduce new Merchant Shipping (Safety of Life at Sea) Regulations, replacing outdated UK regulations that currently implement the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended. This update is intended to bring the Virgin Islands’ maritime legislation in line with the latest IMO safety standards.

The amendments will explicitly grant the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) jurisdiction to investigate offences under the Merchant Shipping Act. This includes investigatory powers for all criminal offences occurring on Virgin Islands-flagged ships where local courts have prosecutorial authority. Strengthening these provisions will allow for more effective investigation and prosecution of maritime crimes.

The bill aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Virgin Islands ship registry by expanding the list of eligible ship owners. Recent amendments in the UK have broadened ownership eligibility, and the Virgin Islands intends to follow suit by allowing persons and companies from Commonwealth nations to register VI-flagged ships. Additionally, the bill will reinstate countries that were previously eligible under the Recognized Jurisdictions list, which was repealed in 2022.

The bill proposes removing the requirement for the Virgin Islands to consult the UK Secretary of State before enacting local maritime regulations, streamlining the legislative process and improving administrative efficiency.

Beyond the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, the Government plans further legislative initiatives, including publishing adopted legislation and enacting new and updated regulations to clarify and modernize the Virgin Islands’ implementation of key international maritime conventions. These include the International Convention on Load Lines (LL), 1966, and the 1988 Protocol, the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), including the 1995 and 2010 Manila Amendments. Other key updates will address the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), covering amendments from 1978 and 1997, and the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972.

These reforms are expected to strengthen the Virgin Islands’ maritime sector, ensuring the territory remains a responsible and competitive flag state in the global industry.

In celebration of World Water Day, Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG) has recognized the next generation of scientific innovators, awarding top honors to students whose research tackled critical water-related challenges at the British Virgin Islands’ National Science Fair.

The Prize for Water Science, SSWG’s annual award for excellence in water research, highlights the importance of STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—in addressing environmental and sustainability issues.

This year’s top honor in the secondary division was awarded to Zara Pascoe of Cedar International School for her project, Dissolved Oxygen as a Marine Pollutant Indicator. Pascoe conducted extensive testing at nine locations around Tortola, using dissolved oxygen levels to assess pollution, bacterial presence, and decomposing organic matter. The method aligns with daily water quality monitoring conducted at SSWG’s own lab to ensure safe drinking water standards.

In the primary division, Daria Donovan and Brielle Williams of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won for their project, Wat-er We Drinking. The duo investigated bacterial growth in reusable water bottles, presenting a compelling case for improved hygiene practices. Their research was among the highest-scoring projects at the fair.

The winners were previously announced at the Science Fair’s closing ceremony but were later invited to the Paraquita Bay Water Plant for a behind-the-scenes look at industrial desalination and to receive their awards.

The Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, toured the facility and commended both the students and SSWG for their commitment to advancing science education.

“It is always a proud moment to witness our students being recognized for their scientific talent and curiosity,” Minister de Castro said. “On this World Water Day, I commend Seven Seas Water Group for not only investing in innovation but for investing in our young people. Their continued support of the Science Fair demonstrates the kind of meaningful public-private partnership that strengthens our education system and empowers future leaders.”

She emphasized the importance of real-world scientific exploration, noting that students engaging with sustainability and water quality research are not just learning, but leading.

SSWG, a leading provider of desalination services, has been a major sponsor of the Science Fair for the past three years, contributing over $20,000 to support student-led research initiatives.

Kevon Smith, a former BVI National Science Fair winner and now Plant Manager at SSWG’s Paraquita Bay facility, reflected on the significance of the partnership for the local community.

“As a company deeply committed to providing well-engineered, efficiently operated desalination services to this community, we are proud to support initiatives that promote scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship,” Smith said. “Our future plant managers, engineers, operators, and professionals will be among the competitors, showcasing their ingenuity and commitment to building a more sustainable future.”

SSWG extended congratulations to the Ministry of Education, Science Fair Coordinator Renee Caines, participating students, educators, and parents for their role in executing another successful showcase of young scientific talent.

As global water challenges become increasingly urgent, initiatives like the Prize for Water Science continue to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers. The students honored this year exemplify how young minds, given the right tools and opportunities, can contribute to shaping a more sustainable future.