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Local News

HMS Trent Departs Virgin Islands After Crucial Post-Storm Cleanup

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The Royal Navy’s HMS Trent set sail from the Virgin Islands this week after playing a vital role in the cleanup efforts following Tropical Storm Ernesto. The warship, which was on a routine visit to the British Overseas Territories, docked at Tortola Pier Park on Thursday, August 15, with 84 personnel on board, ready to assist the storm-battered territory.

HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Tim Langford, wasted no time in offering his crew’s services after meeting with Governor Daniel Pruce and Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley. In coordination with the Virgin Islands’ Public Works Department and local maintenance teams, HMS Trent’s crew, along with an embarked Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando, Royal Engineers, swiftly joined forces to tackle the cleanup.

Among their first tasks, a contingent of Royal Engineers and ship personnel descended on Elmore Stoutt High School, which had been inundated with floodwaters. Using pumps, the team quickly drained the water, while another group of trained Chainsaw Operators addressed the immediate danger posed by unstable trees in the area, clearing them to prevent future hazards as the hurricane season progresses. The crew also cleared a nearby storm drain clogged with foliage, further safeguarding the community against future flooding.

During their stay, HMS Trent’s disaster response capabilities were showcased to local disaster management personnel and key agencies, underscoring the Royal Navy’s preparedness to assist in times of crisis. The visit also provided an opportunity for high-level discussions between the ship’s officers, the Governor, and the Premier regarding ongoing operations in the region. A key highlight was HMS Trent’s recent success in counter-narcotics operations, having intercepted over 6.3 tonnes of narcotics since January—valued at over $640 million on the street.

HMS Trent also extended an invitation to local youth, welcoming members of the British Virgin Islands Cadet Corps, MALE/FEMALE youth groups, and the Taekwondo Academy aboard the ship. The children toured the vessel, met with personnel, and explored the ship’s equipment, including drones and firefighting gear. They were also treated to an exclusive tour of the Bridge and Flight Deck, offering a firsthand look at the ship’s impressive capabilities.

Governor Daniel Pruce expressed his appreciation for HMS Trent’s efforts, stating, “It has been a pleasure to have HMS Trent ashore, and I’m grateful we could all work together to clean up the damage following Ernesto. I was also impressed by the ship’s work to ensure the security of our borders and waters, especially the success it’s had in intercepting traffickers and disrupting the evil drugs trade.”

Commanding Officer Tim Langford echoed these sentiments, noting, “It’s been a genuine pleasure for HMS Trent’s team of sailors, soldiers, and Royal Marines to assist the local population after Tropical Storm Ernesto. While our work ashore focused on providing immediate assistance, our visit has also allowed us to forge vital connections with BVI disaster relief and crisis response teams, refining plans for future support in the event of hurricane damage.”

As HMS Trent departs the Virgin Islands, the collaboration between the Royal Navy and the territory’s local authorities stands as a testament to the enduring partnership and shared commitment to security and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

 

Education

Enis Adams Primary Warns of Stranger Giving Items to Students at Festival Grounds

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Parents of students attending Enis Adams Primary School have been urged to warn their children against accepting candy and other items from strangers following concerning reports from the school’s administration.

In an official notice issued by  a representative of the school, concerns were raised regarding an individual unaffiliated with the institution distributing items to students at the Festival Grounds. The individual’s identity and intentions remain unclear, prompting the school to take immediate action.

“It was reported that a person who is not a parent or affiliated with the school has been giving items to students,” the statement read. “We urge parents to have discussions with their children about the dangers of accepting items from strangers.”

The school emphasised that students would be advised not to take or consume any such items, and faculty members would also address the matter directly with students.

This incident has sparked concerns about student safety, particularly for those who rely on government transportation services to and from the Festival Grounds. While no harm has been reported, the school administration is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential risks.

Local authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near school transportation areas.

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Local News

Driver Suffers Seizure, Triggers Multi-Vehicle Accident in Road Town

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At least one person was hospitalized following a chaotic multi-vehicle accident in Road Town shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, a white truck lost control near the roundabout, barreling across the area before coming to a halt near Supa Value. The truck’s erratic movement caused significant damage to at least six vehicles in its path.

Reports indicate that the truck’s driver suffered a seizure, leading to the loss of control. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the injured individual was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries remains unknown at this time.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was on the scene to assess the situation and coordinate recovery efforts. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

 

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Crime/Police

DPP Appeals Dismissal of Breach of Trust Charges Against Walwyn and Stevens

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is formally challenging the decision by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards to dismiss breach of trust charges against former Education and Culture Minister, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, and his former assistant secretary, Ms. Lorna Stevens. The charges stemmed from alleged mismanagement and budgetary improprieties in the construction of a perimeter wall at the Elmore Stoutt High School.

On January 21, Senior Magistrate Richards ruled that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, effectively bringing an end to the prosecution’s arguments. However, just two days later, on January 23, the DPP filed an appeal, contending that the magistrate exceeded her jurisdiction, improperly rejected substantial evidence, and delivered an unreasonable decision.

The case against Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens was rooted in the controversial construction project, initiated in December 2014 during Mr. Walwyn’s tenure. The project, aimed at building a perimeter wall around the high school, has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and public funds misuse.

According to a 2018 Auditor General report by Sonia Webster, the project suffered from budget overruns, contract splitting into over 70 work orders, and the use of unlicensed contractors. The report highlighted that over $1 million was spent, yet the wall remained incomplete. Ms. Webster’s findings prompted a police investigation in 2019.

Both Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens were arrested and charged with breach of trust in October 2022. Prosecutors alleged that the duo failed to exercise proper oversight, leading to unnecessary expenditures and diminished value for taxpayer dollars.

In her January 21 ruling, Magistrate Richards found that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to establish a case against the defendants. Legal experts noted that the decision posed significant questions about the strength of the prosecution’s strategy.

The appeal filed by the DPP argues that the magistrate disregarded critical evidence that impacted the merits of the case. The filing also suggests that the dismissal was unreasonable given the severity of the allegations.

The Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project has been a flashpoint of public criticism for years. During the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (COI), led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, the project was described as “extraordinary” in its mismanagement. The COI report echoed concerns raised by Ms. Webster, particularly regarding the use of multiple unlicensed contractors and the resulting inefficiencies.

Sir Gary’s report noted that the project’s structure increased costs and complexity, further delaying its completion. He recommended that the police investigation continue without interference, emphasizing the need for accountability in public spending.

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