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Caribbean Juniors Compete at British Junior Open Squash Tournament

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Jakob Noblett-Diaz and Delilah Pease, two of the Caribbean’s leading junior squash players, represented the region earlier this month at the British Junior Open (BJO), held from January 2-6 in Birmingham, England.

Widely regarded as the most prestigious junior squash tournament globally, the BJO attracts elite players and serves as the de facto world championship for most junior age categories.

Jakob competed in the Boys U13 category, while Delilah participated in the Girls U11 division. Both players entered the tournament as reigning Caribbean champions, having won their respective titles at the Caribbean Junior Championships hosted at Tortola Sports Club in July 2024. Their preparation also included competing at the Canadian Junior Open in December, where Delilah won her event, and Jakob secured a plate division victory.

At the BJO, Jakob faced stiff competition against players from Canada, Poland, China, and Japan. He managed one victory, defeating Japan’s Kaisei Arita in straight sets, and concluded his debut tournament in 57th place.

Delilah, making her second appearance at the BJO, improved on her previous 28th-place finish. She narrowly lost her opening match against England’s top-ranked player but rebounded to win three of her next four matches, finishing 19th overall.

National Squash Coach Adam Murrills accompanied the players and praised their performances, noting the importance of exposure to such a high level of competition.
“The British Junior Open provided an invaluable learning experience for Jakob and Delilah,” Murrills stated. “Competing against the world’s best players not only highlights areas for improvement but also fosters growth and resilience. Both players adapted well to the challenges they faced and demonstrated improvement throughout the tournament. I am proud of their efforts and look forward to their continued development.”

Match Results:

Delilah Pease (Girls U11)

  • Lost to Ada Brown (England) 11-9, 11-2, 12-10
  • Defeated Elsie Griffiths (Wales) 11-7, 11-6, 2-11, 11-8
  • Defeated Simone Yuen (Canada) 11-7, 11-7, 13-15, 11-3
  • Lost to Nalla Sanaei (USA) 11-5, 11-4, 12-14, 11-7
  • Defeated Sashana Istritheran (Malaysia) 10-12, 11-5, 17-15, 6-11, 11-7

Jakob Noblett-Diaz (Boys U13)

  • Lost to Chase Facchin (Canada) 11-5, 11-2, 11-9
  • Lost to Maciej Dziech (Poland) 11-7, 11-3, 5-11, 11-5
  • Lost to Ching Yan Tang (China) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
  • Defeated Kaisei Arita (Japan) 11-6, 11-1, 11-3

Both players are now preparing for the upcoming Junior National Championships in February, where they will look to build on their performances at one of the world’s most challenging junior squash tournaments.

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Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.

In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.

As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.

Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.

The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.

“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”

Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.

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Local News

U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

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Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.

According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.

“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”

The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.

Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.

For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.

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Crime/Police

Drew Farrell Charged With Manslaughter in Virgin Gorda Stabbing

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF)  have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.

Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.

The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.

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