Local News
Dismissed Deputy Premier Lorna Smith Notified of Removal via Letter from Premier
Dismissed Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE stated that she was notified of her removal from the government via a letter on Tuesday morning, October 23, from Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
In a statement to the media regarding her upcoming press conference, she said, “At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, I received a letter from the Hon Premier stating he requested that His
Excellency the Governor revoke my appointment as Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour and Trade.”
In a virtual statement on Tuesday morning, the Premier thanked Smith for her service, adding, “I do so with a heavy heart. She did not give me the confidence that she would remain with my administration for the duration of this term.”
Former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member and Third District representative Julian Fraser has now taken on the role of Deputy Premier. Fraser remains the chairman of the Progressives United party but has aligned himself with the Virgin Islands Party, where he was a longtime member.
Governor David Pruce signed the instruments of appointment on Tuesday, and Fraser was officially sworn in.
The Premier emphasised that “this is a necessary change to the composition of the government that provides my administration with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve us well over the course of the remainder of this House of Assembly. Political stability is critical at this time to ensure we finalise the completion of governance reforms and effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”
Smith, who won the Territorial-At-Large vote for the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the April 2023 general elections, had previously switched her allegiance to assist the ruling VIP in forming a government. She also held the portfolio for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade.
Having resigned from the NDP, the former first lady is now an independent opposition member.
The British Virgin Islands Red Cross, in partnership with Harneys, will host its Biennial Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening, aiming to provide essential health services and promote early detection of prostate cancer.
The free initiative will take place on Virgin Gorda on February 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Catholic Community Centre. On Tortola, the event will span two days, February 7 and 8, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for men worldwide, with early detection playing a critical role in improving treatment outcomes. Recognising this, the BVI Red Cross, supported by Harneys, seeks to ensure men across the territory have access to free screenings and health information.
“This initiative emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care,” said the Director of BVI Red Cross, Stacy Lloyd. “We are committed to creating opportunities for men to prioritise their health and access vital resources.”
In addition to prostate cancer screenings, the event will include a variety of health services and educational sessions on topics such as nutrition, mental health, and preventative care strategies. Local health professionals will be present to provide guidance and answer questions.
Organisers encourage men of all ages to attend the health fair and take advantage of the free screenings and consultations.
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has been elected President of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and will also serve as President of the Political Council.
Premier Wheatley expressed his vision for the role, stating, “This is not just about leadership; it’s about unity and collaboration. Together, we will harness our collective strengths to address the challenges we face, such as climate change and economic resilience, and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our territories. Our voices will be heard, and our aspirations will be realised.”
As part of this leadership change, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, has been appointed Chair of UKOTA. Bradshaw, who has been a key figure in UK-BVI relations, shared her thoughts on the new role: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of UKOTA. Alongside Premier Wheatley and our dedicated team, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the UK Overseas Territories are acknowledged and addressed with the utmost diligence and respect.”
UKOTA, which has served as a vital platform for the collaboration of UK Overseas Territories, enters an exciting new chapter with this leadership shift. The association plays a key role in advocating for the collective interests of the territories, ensuring they remain united on the international stage. The territories, despite their varying sizes and economic statuses, will now benefit from a more unified voice, aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, economic growth, and resilience.
Looking forward to 2025, UKOTA will build on the momentum of its 30th anniversary, a landmark achievement that highlights the importance of the association’s work in fostering cooperation across its member territories. UKOTA’s future efforts will be centred around strengthening relationships, enhancing dialogue, and ensuring equitable representation for all member territories, particularly smaller ones, whose concerns will be prioritized in discussions.
The appointment of Premier Wheatley as UKOTA President follows the Virgin Islands’ previous tenure in the leadership positions back in 2016 under Dr. Orlando Smith, OBE, with Benito Wheatley as Chair. This ongoing legacy of leadership reflects the Virgin Islands’ commitment to playing an active role in the advocacy and governance of UK Overseas Territories.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has claimed the #33 position on The New York Times’ prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2025” list, a definitive annual guide to global travel.
The recognition, revealed on January 9, highlights the BVI’s bounce-back strength and growing appeal, making it one of just two Caribbean destinations to make the list.
The BVI’s resurgence after the catastrophic Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 takes center stage in the listing, penned by Times journalist Nora Walsh. Highlighted are the revival of key luxury properties: the Bitter End Yacht Club, known for its upcoming over-the-water lofts set to debut this year; the newly envisioned Biras Marina & Resort; and the transformed Peter Island Resort, which reopened in December 2024 after an extensive overhaul.
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy hailed the recognition as a milestone in the territory’s recovery and evolution. “Our inclusion on this year’s list reflects not just our beauty but also the resilience, creativity, and unwavering hospitality that define the BVI,” McCoy said. “The revival of iconic properties, coupled with increased direct flights from the U.S., signals a bright future for tourism in the territory.”
The BVI’s placement on the list is expected to amplify its global profile, leveraging the Times’ vast audience of over 153 million monthly readers. The endorsement comes as the islands invest in both infrastructure and visitor experiences, offering pristine beaches, world-class sailing, and a vibrant cultural tapestry.
BVI Red Cross and Harneys Host Free Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening
Premier Wheatley Elected to Lead UK Overseas Territories Association
British Virgin Islands Earns Coveted Spot on New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025″
-
Crime/Police2 days agoPolice Officer Charged Over Internal Security Breach
-
Crime/Police1 week agoKnife-Wielding Bandit Strikes Again in Tortola, Targeting Late-Night Workers
-
Crime/Police2 days agoVirgin Gorda Police Apprehend Fugitive Linked to String of Burglaries and Robberies
-
USVI News2 days agoGovernor Albert Bryan Jr. Declares January 9 a Local Holiday in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
-
Business1 week agoSome Businesses Continue To Insist On Minimum Spending For Credit Card Payment
-
Local News1 week agoBritish Virgin Islanders Exempt from UK ETA Requirement
-
Entertainment1 week agoVybz Kartel’s Return: Freedom Street Concert Marks Historic Comeback After 13 Years
-
Local News1 week agoMentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE) BVI Movement Bolstered by $5,000 Drakes Traders Donation