Local News
His Majesty’s Customs Celebrates K9 Unit’s Success in Boosting Border Security
His Majesty’s Customs recognised the achievements of its K9 Unit and their handlers during a graduation ceremony earlier this week, celebrating both newly trained and veteran team members in their efforts to enhance border security.
The ceremony honoured handlers Olympia Maduro-Fahie, B’Jorn Caleb, and Shavique Barzey for their dedication and success. The K9s acknowledged included Gunner, who has been recertified, and two newly trained dogs, Ace and Duece.
Acting Commissioner Greg Romney highlighted the event, held on 11 September, as a significant milestone in the department’s ongoing effort to strengthen and rejuvenate its K9 Unit. “The Department of Customs is pleased to announce the rebirth of our K9 Unit,” Romney said. “This unit plays a crucial role in our fight against the importation of illicit goods. We are committed to disrupting any channels that threaten our border security.”
Romney emphasised that the addition of Ace and Duece, alongside the recertified Gunner, significantly enhances the unit’s operational capabilities. “With these advancements, all K9s are now impeccably trained and fully prepared to bolster the effectiveness of Customs operations,” he added.
Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett also praised the unit’s expansion, noting that the newly trained dogs would enhance the department’s ability to protect the territory’s borders. “These highly trained K9 officers are specifically bred to detect contraband, narcotics, explosives, and assist in human apprehension,” Frett stated. “Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect substances that are nearly impossible for humans to identify.”
Frett expressed gratitude to “Pure Dogz” for their role in training both the dogs and their handlers, ensuring that the K9 Unit is prepared to serve and protect. The rigorous three-week training programme, led by Instructor Keron Pole of Pure Dogs K9 Services, covered both theoretical and practical elements, with a focus on narcotics detection and bite apprehension.
His Majesty’s Customs reaffirmed its commitment to securing national borders and supporting lawful trade by enforcing import regulations and preventing the entry of illicit goods.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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