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Adaejah Hodge to Represent BVI at World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru

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The British Virgin Islands will be represented by rising track star Adaejah Hodge at the World Athletics U20 Championships, set to take place in Lima, Peru, from August 27th to 31st.

Hodge, who has been a standout athlete for the BVI, will compete in the 100m and 200m events. Her 100m race is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27 at 10:10 AM, followed by the 200m on Thursday, August 29th at 11:15 AM. Hodge will be guided by World Athletics certified coach, Ms. Ericca Frederick, who has played a crucial role in developing Hodge’s talent from a young age.

The BVI has a history of strong performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships. In 2022, athletes Wanyae Belle and Akrisa Eristee competed in the sprints, continuing the territory’s tradition of excellence on the global stage. One of the most notable achievements came in 2016 when Kyron McMaster, OBE, earned a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Before that, in 2013, a team consisting of Nelda Huggins, Taylor Hill, Tarika Moses, Lakeisha Warner, and Jonel Lacey secured a silver medal in the Sprint Medley 1000m in Donetsk, Ukraine.

The World Athletics U20 Championships is a biennial event that brings together the world’s best young athletes. Organized by World Athletics, the governing body for the sport, the competition is open to athletes under 20 years of age as of December 31st of the competition year. The event, which began as the IAAF World Junior Championships in 1986, was rebranded in 2015 as the IAAF U20 Championships. In the 2022 edition, held at Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali, Colombia, approximately 1,500 athletes from 140 teams participated.

For updates on Hodge’s performance and other event details, follow the BVI Athletics Association’s Facebook page and visit worldathletics.org.

Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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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.

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Local News

U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

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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.

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Crime/Police

Drew Farrell Charged With Manslaughter in Virgin Gorda Stabbing

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF)  have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.

Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.

The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.

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