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Human Rights Commission Long Overdue in the British Virgin Islands, Says Premier Wheatley

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BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley to attend CARICOM meeting in The Bahamas.

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley addressed the longstanding delay in establishing a Human Rights Commission in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the continuation of the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on 8 January.

Hon. Wheatley emphasised that the concept of a Human Rights Commission was embedded in the 2007 Constitution, yet successive legislatures had failed to implement it. “We had an opportunity, over many years, to bring in a Human Rights Commission,” he noted. “The purpose of this Commission is to ensure that we don’t have poor sense human rights violated. All of the rights we want to protect are right there in the rights and freedom section of the Constitution.”

The Premier highlighted that the current reliance on legal recourse to address human rights violations often excludes those who cannot afford expensive legal representation. “The concept of the Human Rights Commission is not for you to have to spend a whole bunch of money to go to a lawyer or go to court,” Dr. Wheatley explained. “It is about having a commission tasked with investigating violations of human rights.”

Acknowledging past inaction, he vowed that the current legislature would correct this oversight. “That Constitution came in 2007, and it’s going to take this legislature, in 2025, to pass it. I’m not one to cry over spilt milk. We are going to bring the Human Rights Commission and ensure we have a mechanism in place to protect persons’ human rights from abuses.”

Dr. Wheatley also commended members of the opposition and his government for their contributions to refining oversight mechanisms in proposed legislation, particularly regarding police powers and prosecutorial balance. He highlighted the research and recommendations of the Sixth District Representative and the Deputy Premier, who advocated for a more balanced approach in the bill under discussion.

“The Deputy Premier made an excellent point that you need to get the other side so that the bill can have balance,” Dr. Wheatley said. “While we want to give the police the power, we must ensure the bill leans towards fairness for all.”

Health

Virgin Islands Centenarian Receives First $10,000 Grant Under New Government Program

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Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.

This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.

“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.

He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”

The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:

  • Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years

  • Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years

  • Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years

  • Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years

  • Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years

  • Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years

  • Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.

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International

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago Elected as Pope Leo XIV

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– First American Pontiff in Catholic Church History

The College of Cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two-millennia history.

The announcement came at 6:07 p.m. local time, when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave’s fourth ballot. Shortly thereafter, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Appearing before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV offered his first apostolic blessing and addressed the faithful with a message of peace: “Peace be with all of you! I want this salute of peace to enter your heart, reach your families, and all people, and all the peoples, and the whole world.”

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru, where he taught theology and held various administrative roles within the Church. In 2023, he was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a position that placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership.

Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a unifying choice amid ideological divisions within the Church. His background reflects a commitment to inclusivity and dialogue, values that align with the synodal approach emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for a Church that is “engaged with the modern world and always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering.”

The new pontiff faces a range of pressing challenges, including fostering unity within a polarized Church, addressing global conflicts, and continuing efforts to reform Church governance and address past abuses. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these complex issues.

Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with congratulations from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the historic moment, stating, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our … .”

As the Catholic Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s guidance, the faithful and observers alike look forward to the direction he will set for the global community of believers.

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Entertainment

Former Miss BVI Kathlyn Archibald-Drew Graduates Summa Cum Laude from Howard University

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Former Miss British Virgin Islands, Kathlyn Archibald-Drew, is set to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Howard University as a member of the Class of 2025. A dedicated scholar, Kathlyn has distinguished herself with an Honors Economics Major and a double minor in Political Science and Philosophy.

The former Cedar International School student’s academic journey at Howard University will culminate on May 8.

With a passion for economic development and social change, Kathlyn is preparing to take the next step in her academic career at the London School of Economics, where she will pursue a Master’s in Local Economic Development.

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'Graduation Announcement Class of 2025, Howard University Kathlyn Archibald-Drew Summa Cum Laude; Honors Economics Major, Political Science and Philosophy Double Minor Date: May 8th 1:00pm- 3:00pm Link: Incoming on Graduation Day! What's Next: London School of Economics, Master's in Local Economic Development'

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