Carlene Herbert has been officially appointed as the Virgin Islands’ new Supervisor of Elections, effective March 10, bringing more than two decades of experience in governance, public sector administration, and communications to the post.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Deputy Governor, where Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. welcomed Herbert to the role. “Managing elections in the Virgin Islands is no small task,” Archer said. “But I am confident in Ms. Herbert’s ability to succeed in this important position. My office, the Public Service, and I are fully committed to working alongside her as she fulfills this vital role in our community.”

Herbert’s academic background includes dual Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration and Corporate and Trust Administration from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second Class Honours from the University of Essex.

“I am truly honoured and excited for this opportunity to serve my country in this role,” Herbert said. “I am committed to ensuring the continued development and success of elections administration in the Territory.”

As Supervisor of Elections, Herbert will oversee the operations of the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, including the maintenance of the Register of Voters and broader election administration duties. Her appointment follows the departure of former Supervisor of Elections, Scherrie Griffin, who has transitioned to a new position at the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Permanent Secretary Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, acknowledged Griffin’s contributions, stating, “During her time, Ms. Griffin provided stellar leadership to the Office of the Supervisor of Elections. We are immensely grateful for her efforts and wish her the very best as she transitions onward.”

A total of 119 individuals have been granted British Overseas Territories Citizenship following two naturalisation ceremonies held at Government House on March 25 and 28.

The ceremonies featured official remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce; Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley; and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.

Governor Pruce addressed the new citizens, stating that naturalisation is a process from which the Virgin Islands benefits. “The shared values in our community include respect and concern for others who are less fortunate, or simply those who are considered to be different,” he said. “Perhaps, when you first came here, you felt different yourself. But, as the Bible reminds us, you shall love the stranger, for you were once strangers in the land.”

Premier Wheatley welcomed the individuals, acknowledging their contributions to the territory. “I enjoy coming to these ceremonies and seeing individuals who have contributed immensely to our society,” he said. “This moment is more than just receiving papers — you are joining a family. Before, you may have had another home… but now you have two homes… and we want you to be able to defend the Virgin Islands as if you have ancestors from here, dating back to the days of slavery.”

Registrar General O’Flaherty-Maduro noted that citizenship signifies more than a legal status. “It represents your commitment to its values and your role in shaping its future. It represents a bond to a rich history, a diverse community, and a set of shared rights and responsibilities,” she said.

Naturalisation is a process under the British Nationality Act of 1981, which allows eligible individuals to become British Overseas Territories Citizens.

The following individuals were granted citizenship:

Mohammad S. Abdulsalam
Paula Melrose Ajarie
Joel Ian Antione
Sandra Veronica Arringdell
Bernadette Myrtle Athanaze
Cristell Nalda Athanaze
James Athanaze
Candice Stacy Bolondia
Aldan Winston Bertham
Rondell Andre Braveboy
Joyce Michelle Bruce
Douglas Lester Butler
Joan Ivolyn Butt
Thorn Corderow Carey
Belinda Louise Dabbs
Camelia Roxanne Daniel
Rashenna Kaffilla Dawson
Brian Edward Deane
Digna Poueriet De DeCastro
Orville O’Neil Dunkley
Roberta Lorie-Ann Ellis
Annelle Adelia Francis
Alicia Eugenie Gilbert
Ceon Adrian Hartman
Beverly Doreen Headlam
Norma Elaine Higgins
Gavin Anthony Hinds
Dickson Chukudiamara Igwe
Roxanne Evelyn James
Dennis Gavon Milton Jones
Teresa Joseph
Vanicia Argel Liddie
Ernesta Francelia Maloney
Joseph Raymond Xavier Maloney
Judith Agatha Martin
Duklin George McDonald
Avril Sunelia Mendes
Jim Robertson Mendes
Carla May Morton
Cecilia Titre-Nicholas
Daniel Philippe
Glenny Gonzales-Pickering
Petronella Caroline Pope
Michelle Theresa Quashie
Sharon Rameshar
Khemragie Ramotar
Olfred Cradie Sharpe
Roslyn Deborah Simmons
Rebecca Patricia Spencer
Loraine Rodney Spencer
Jo-Ann St. Rose
Blondina Idella Sutton
Sanchia Simone Thompson
Decoomarie Tillack
Dhanmattie Tillack
Peter John Twist
Carol Emelda Williams
Laurence Christopher Wintz
Quincy St. Orbis Narcelius Woolford
David Joseph Andrews
Marguerite Arthur
Jocelyn Blake
Mecheal Kesha Baird
Andrew Claxton Campbell
Mary Agatha Campbell
Wayne Richardo Carter
Anthony Tony Ceasar
Irvinia Damier Ceaser
Otis Ortix Claxton
Basilia Daniela Ramona Cole
Vicki Natasha Clarke
Timothy Paul Dabbs
Sowbhagyawattie Deoraj
Shelly Ann Baker Donovan
Ellen Erwin
Angela Robertha Farrell
Anestasia Sordia Felix
Dexter David Fortune
Shurma Nesta Fortune
Alfred Ludlow Francis
Peter Anthony Francis
Marino Lorenzo Garcia
Velma Monica Harry
Dordea Leslyn Hartman-Hastings
Shawn Adwane James
Catherine Andresine Hodge-Jeremiah
Glenroy Leon Johnson
David Jolly
Sonia Joseph
Joan Richardson-Liburd
Jerrol Mc Kenzie
Rodger Linton Miller
Jennifer Marie Myers
Paul Samson Myers
Richard William Nichol
Blessing Chukwugozie Okpara
Ogechukwu Blessing Okpara
Dulce Maria Pena O’Neil
Ana Isla Tania Javier De Ortiz
Marvalene Pinnock
Ann Ramgadoo
Patricia Devi Ramgobin
Glory Ramjawan
Sylvia Lenora Richards
Elcon Cedric Roberts
Kayanna Marian Shorne Roberts
Cruz Guerrero Rivera
John Calvert Robin
Ramona Maria Acevedo Rodriguez
Belkis Iris Cuevas Sanchez De-Samuel
Juan Gerardo Nunez Santana
Kaminee Seenarine
Totaram Silchand
Jesse Alexander Sobers
Jeremy Stephen Walcott
Feebles Bryan Williams
Paschale Welina Williams
Rick Nelson Williams
Nalita Winter

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has exempted Caribbean shipping routes from newly proposed port fees on Chinese-built vessels. This decision follows concerted advocacy by the Caribbean Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) and regional stakeholders, who warned that the fees could have devastating economic consequences for the Caribbean.​

The USTR’s initial proposal aimed to impose fees of up to $1.5 million per port call on vessels constructed in China, as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and bolster the U.S. maritime industry. However, the policy faced immediate backlash from Caribbean nations, where a significant portion of shipping relies on Chinese-built vessels.​

Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of the CPSO, testified at a USTR public hearing, emphasizing that over 90% of CARICOM’s trade in goods depends on maritime transport. He warned that the proposed fees could lead to a 60% increase in shipping costs to and from the Caribbean, severely impacting economies where more than 50% of the ships are Chinese-built. ​

The potential repercussions were particularly alarming for smaller Caribbean states like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which rely heavily on short-sea shipping routes serviced by Chinese-built vessels. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda expressed concern that shipping a container could increase by $3,000 to $4,000, leading to an 8–10% rise in consumer prices and pushing inflation rates to potentially 12–14%. ​

In response to these concerns, the USTR revised its policy to exempt ships operating between U.S. domestic routes, the Caribbean, U.S. territories, and Great Lakes ports from the new fees. This adjustment aims to prevent inflation, supply chain disruptions, and surging trade costs in the region. ​

The exemption has been met with relief across the Caribbean. Dr. Antoine expressed gratitude to the USTR for recognizing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean economies and for taking steps to safeguard regional trade stability.​

While the exemption provides immediate relief, regional leaders and industry stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely. They advocate for long-term strategies to enhance the resilience of Caribbean supply chains and reduce dependency on external factors that could disrupt trade.​