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.
Local News
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands wrapped up a significant five-day diplomatic visit to London, aimed at reinforcing ties with the UK Government. Accompanied by Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, the delegation’s primary focus was on building a modern partnership rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, while addressing the pressing issues facing the British Overseas Territory.
A pivotal moment of the trip came during an in-person meeting with the new Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, where Premier Wheatley outlined the progress being made in the Virgin Islands, particularly regarding the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry. The talks, attended by Virgin Islands Governor Daniel Pruce, delved into the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Territory, with Wheatley expressing optimism about the future of cooperation. The Premier extended an invitation to Doughty to visit the Virgin Islands in November, which will coincide with the Minister’s first Joint Ministerial Council meeting.
The delegation’s presence in London also saw the Premier honored at a reception hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. This gathering brought together key players from both the political and financial sectors, highlighting the Territory’s strategic importance. “We are grateful for Sir Lindsay’s consistent support of the Overseas Territories,” Premier Wheatley remarked, underscoring the critical role these relationships play in bolstering the Virgin Islands on the global stage.
Despite the busy agenda, Premier Wheatley found time to meet with several MPs, including Adam Jogee MP and Baroness Vere, further cementing ties between the Virgin Islands and UK policymakers. These engagements, according to the Premier, will lay the groundwork for continued collaboration as Parliament reconvenes in October and the political season gears up with upcoming party conferences.
Climate change was a dominant theme of the Premier’s meetings, as he emphasized the existential threat the Virgin Islands faces due to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent severe weather events. In talks with officials from the Department for Energy and Net Zero and Baroness Brown, Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation Sub-Committee, Wheatley stressed the Territory’s need for greater support from the UK in accessing global climate funding. Baroness Brown assured the Premier of the UK Government’s commitment to assist in bolstering the Virgin Islands’ climate resilience efforts.
Additionally, the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector took center stage during a roundtable led by Premier Wheatley in collaboration with BVI Finance. Top executives from major London-based corporate service providers and law firms participated, as the Premier championed the Territory’s unique offerings and underscored its role as a premier financial services hub.
As the Virgin Islands prepares for Minister Doughty’s visit in November, Premier Wheatley is crafting a cultural itinerary to ensure the Minister gets an immersive experience of the Territory’s vibrant community and traditions.
The delegation included Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, Ayana Glasgow, Executive Director of International Business Regulations, Kedrick Malone, Governance Reform Delivery Manager, and Kenneth Baker, Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission.
The highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival returns this year, running from November 30 to December 1, 2024, with a record-breaking 13 restaurants set to participate in the culinary event. Now in its 12th year, the festival—renowned as the Caribbean’s grandest crustacean celebration—will feature the theme “Lobster, Sun, and Anegada Fun.” Visitors will have the chance to sample lobster dishes at the island’s finest restaurants while exploring its attractions and activities.
“We’re thrilled with the level of participation from businesses this year,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The Anegada Lobster Festival continues to grow, and we’re working closely with partners to ensure a smooth experience for visitors—from their arrival to the festival and beyond. Stay tuned for updates, including the release of our festival guide, which will cover everything from restaurant menus to transportation options.”
This year introduces two new features: a competition for the best lobster sampler, judged by renowned Saint Martin Executive Chef Shane Huggins, and a sampler voucher giveaway for 600 lucky attendees, providing free lobster tastings at participating restaurants. The winning chef will receive the inaugural ALFFY Award, along with bragging rights for creating the top lobster dish.
Alongside the culinary offerings, the Family Fun Day—hosted by the VI Recreation Trust—will return with waterslides, pools, and bouncy houses, while live music will greet ferry passengers at the dock. The popular Party Cycle, which tours the island with festivalgoers enjoying food, drinks, and the scenery, will also be back.
The festival kicks off on the morning of Saturday, November 30, with a warm welcome from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) at Anegada’s ferry dock and airport. Participating restaurants will offer $10 lobster samplers in addition to their regular menus. Confirmed restaurants include new entrant Flamingo Pride, alongside festival favorites Lil Bit, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Wonky Dog, and more.
Festivalgoers will have numerous options for traveling to and from Anegada, including planes, passenger ferries, and car barges. Taxis will be available on the island for transport between restaurants and attractions, which include Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Island, and the Faulkner House Museum. Activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and kiteboarding will also be available.
Dirk Walters, Events Manager for the BVITBFC, shared his excitement for the weekend ahead. “We expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and beautiful weather. It’s going to be a true celebration of Anegada’s unique culture and culinary talent.”
Produced by the BVITBFC, the Anegada Lobster Festival is a key part of the BVI Food Fete, a year-round series of culinary events. The festival has grown steadily, drawing hundreds of visitors each year and contributing to increased tourism for the island of Anegada.
For more information and updates on the Anegada Lobster Festival, visit BVIFOODFETE.COM.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
-
Local News2 weeks agoSearch Underway After Vessel Capsizes Off Jost Van Dyke, One Dead, One Missing
-
Local News2 weeks agoOil Spill Forces Temporary Road Closure in Fish Bay
-
Local News1 week agoThirty-Six Naturalized as British Citizens in Ceremony at Government House
-
Education2 weeks agoEighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
-
Elections 20232 weeks agoVirgin Islands Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
-
Local News2 weeks agoBritish Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
-
Local News1 week agoMajor Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
-
Education2 days agoHLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma