Local News
HMS Trent Departs Virgin Islands After Crucial Post-Storm Cleanup
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.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.
According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.
Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.
“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”
The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.
The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.
A record number of utility companies and businesses have registered for the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, set to take place on Sunday, April 27, in Tortola. Hosted for the first time by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), the event will be held on the grounds behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in Road Town. With 14 utility companies and eight private sector participants confirmed, this year’s rodeo marks the largest gathering in the event’s history. Held under the theme “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, the rodeo will bring together teams from across the region for a day of competition, skill-building, and camaraderie.
The confirmed utility companies represent a broad cross-section of the Caribbean and include Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. (Anguilla), Antigua Public Utilities Authority (Antigua), Bahamas Power and Light (Bahamas), Barbados Light & Power Company (Barbados), Belize Electricity Limited (Belize), British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (British Virgin Islands), Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenada), N.V. Elmar (Aruba), N.V. GEBE (St. Maarten), Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (Nevis), St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (St. Kitts), St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Lucia), St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Vincent), and Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (U.S. Virgin Islands), which is also a Gold Sponsor.
In addition to the utility companies, eight businesses and organizations from the private sector will participate: American Wire Group (Bronze Sponsor), Buckingham Manufacturing (Gold Sponsor), Milwaukee Tool, Prime Fleet Services Dielectric, Safety Exports (Silver Sponsor), Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training (Silver Sponsor), BVI Cable TV, and CCT.
The CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo is more than a competition; it is a celebration of technical expertise, teamwork, and regional unity. Each year, the event highlights the critical work of lineworkers while promoting safety practices and professional development. Field demonstrations and challenges are complemented by training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, in line with CARILEC’s mission to strengthen the region’s energy workforce.
Dr. Neil Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, called the event a proud milestone for the Virgin Islands.
“We are incredibly proud to host this historic edition of the CARILEC Rodeo. With the largest group of utility teams and business participants to date, this event underscores the strength of regional collaboration and the growing importance of innovation, training, and workforce development in our industry.”
Chairman of the BVIEC Board, Mr. Sheldon Scatliffe, added:
“This event highlights the importance of investing in our people and infrastructure. We look forward to a day of spirited competition, knowledge exchange, and community pride as we showcase the best of the Caribbean’s lineworker talent—right here in the Virgin Islands.”
The Rodeo will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a March Pass, followed by an Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support their local team, BVIEC, as they aim for a third consecutive win, following previous victories in Saint Lucia (2023) and Antigua (2024).
About BVIEC:
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions while fostering talent development and innovation in the Territory.
About CARILEC:
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation connects electric utilities and industry stakeholders across the Caribbean, promoting resilience, knowledge exchange, and advancement in the regional energy sector
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.
According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.
Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.
Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.
Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”
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