Local News
British Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley of the British Virgin Islands will lead a delegation to London next week for high-level meetings with the newly appointed Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, MP, and other members of the UK Parliament. The visit, from September 9th to 13th, aims to foster a modern partnership between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United Kingdom, rooted in mutual trust, respect, and cultural understanding.
Accompanying the Premier will be Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, 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. His Excellency Daniel Pruce will also attend the meeting with the Overseas Territories Minister.
The delegation’s agenda includes discussions with political leaders, media, and private sector representatives from the financial and professional services industries. Premier Wheatley plans to highlight the substantial progress the BVI has made in implementing governance reforms since the Commission of Inquiry’s unprecedented review of the territory’s governance. To date, 45 of the 48 recommendations have been completed, with legislation for the remaining items moving toward final approval in the House of Assembly.
The meetings will also cover efforts to meet the recommendations of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s Mutual Evaluation Report. These efforts include establishing a Sanctions Unit, revising the national anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing strategy, and forming working groups to address risks associated with financial activities.
Climate change is also on the agenda, with meetings scheduled with private sector climate finance experts to address its impact on the Virgin Islands.
Premier Wheatley emphasized the importance of engaging directly with UK officials and stakeholders, stating: “Engaging face-to-face with parliamentarians, officials, regulators, and the private sector is critical to building stronger ties and establishing the modern partnership we seek with the United Kingdom.” A reception hosted by Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, will provide an opportunity to strengthen these ties and promote an understanding of the BVI to a broader audience.
The visit is seen as a critical step in continuing to build a stronger relationship with the United Kingdom, focusing on governance, financial regulation, and climate resilience.
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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