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BVI Delegation Joins SOTIC 2024 in the Cayman Islands

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A delegation from the British Virgin Islands, led by Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism, is attending the annual State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the Cayman Islands from September 2 to 6, 2024. The event, organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), is a major gathering for industry leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers across the region.

The conference, which officially commenced on September 4, features a series of presentations and discussions on key topics such as sustainability, technology and innovation, aviation and connectivity, cruise tourism, leadership and legacy, and business continuity planning. McCoy presented on the topic of Business Continuity Planning, sharing insights from the British Virgin Islands’ experiences, following his participation in the CTO business sessions earlier in the week.

The BVI delegation includes Natalie Penn-Lake, Standards & Training Manager at the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC); Calvin Smith, Product Officer for Transportation at BVITBFC; Naomi Onwufuju, the 2023 winner of the Tourism Youth Congress; Adrianne Thomas, BVI’s representative at the CTO Tourism Youth Congress; and Lucena Weekes, an English teacher from Elmore Stoutt High School.

“The business meetings were very productive and informative,” McCoy noted. “I was pleased to share my knowledge on how our experiences in the Territory have shaped our business continuity planning. I am also looking forward to seeing our Junior Ambassador of Tourism, Ms. Adrianne Thomas, represent us at the highly anticipated CTO Tourism Youth Congress.”

The highlight of the week will be the CTO Tourism Youth Congress, scheduled for Thursday, September 5, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Adrianne Thomas, a student from Elmore Stoutt High School, will compete to become the top regional presenter, following in the footsteps of previous BVI representatives.

The week’s activities will conclude with a closing ceremony on Thursday evening, followed by a wrap-up press conference on Friday morning, September 6. The BVI delegation’s participation underscores the territory’s commitment to fostering tourism growth and innovation in the region.

Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.

Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.

The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.

Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.

The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.

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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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