Local News
Rehabilitation of Historic Old Administration Building on Main Street Underway Following Delays
After initial setbacks due to Tropical Storm Ernesto, rehabilitation of the historic Old Administration Building on Main Street, Tortola, has officially commenced. The first phase of the project will focus on restoring the building’s front-facing façade, which includes replacing structural support members and all metallic features to enhance safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, emphasized the importance of the project in preserving the building’s historical value. “The Old Administration Building on Main Street represents a vital period in the history of the Virgin Islands and the Public Serv
ice,” she stated. “We must do whatever is possible to maintain the integrity of these historical structures. The Old Administration Building provided a solid foundation for some of the Public Service’s earliest days, and we must do whatever is necessary to preserve the history that these walls hold.”
Public Estate Manager, Floyd Stoutt, echoed this sentiment, describing the rehabilitation effort as a testament to the Office of the Deputy Governor’s dedication to maintaining government-owned properties, particularly those with historical significance. Stoutt led a walk-through of the building in June with prospective contractors to outline the scope of the work required. Originally completed in 1866, the building has a rich history, having housed various government agencies, including the Chief Minister’s Office, the High Court Registry, and Customs.
The contract for the project was awarded to GND Construction, with the first phase slated for completion by November 2024.
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution while traveling in the vicinity during the construction period.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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