Local News
BVI Elected Vice Chair of UN Caribbean Development Committee
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been elected by acclimation as a Vice Chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), a subsidiary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). This decision was confirmed at the 30th Session of the CDCC held on September 11, 2024.
The election results designate Trinidad and Tobago as Chair, Saint Lucia and Jamaica as Vice Chairs, and Saint Kitts and Nevis as Rapporteur. Senior ECLAC officials, including Executive Secretary Mr. Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs and Director of the ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, Mrs. Diane Quarless, were present at the session.
In its new role, the BVI will assist the Chair, represented by the Honourable Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago. The BVI will support the CDCC’s programme of work for 2024-26, focusing on advancing the Caribbean’s sustainable development and climate resilience under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Additionally, the BVI will lead a new Working Group established by CDCC resolution to enhance UN system collaboration on providing assistance to ECLAC Associate Members, aiding their sustainability, resilience, and development.
During the CDCC session, Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley, in his capacity as BVI Representative to the UN in Latin America and the Caribbean, assumed the role of Vice Chair. He also participated in the 8th Meeting of the Caribbean Development Roundtable (CDR) from September 9-10, ahead of the CDCC session.
Mr. Wheatley expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “We are humbled by the trust and confidence placed in the British Virgin Islands by ECLAC, the UN system, and the CDCC membership. It is an honour to represent the BVI on this crucial committee that supports the sustainable development and economic transformation of the Caribbean. We look forward to working collaboratively with the CDCC Bureau, committee members, and development partners to advance the subregion.”
The BVI has been an Associate Member of ECLAC since 1984 and joined the CDCC in 1985. The CDCC, established in 1975, aims to facilitate the cooperation and development of the Caribbean subregion.
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
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