Local News
Opposition Eyes United Front to Unseat VIP in Next Election, Says Skelton
Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, revealed at a press conference held today, January 17, that discussions are underway among opposition members about forming a united front to challenge the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in the next general election.
“One of the things that we have recognised as an opposition, even when the Member for the Third District was with us, we rocognised is that the last two elections clearly show that as individual parties, it is very difficult to unseat the Virgin Islands Party,” Skelton said. He further noted that ongoing discussions aim to bring people together for a “common cause.”
When asked directly if he supports a merger between the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and the National Democratic Party (NDP), Skelton responded, “I support the merger of our people on all sides getting together for the common cause of developing our country.”
Pressed on whether he envisions the merger as the two existing parties coming together or forming an entirely new entity, Skelton admitted, “That’s a difficult question. I never thought about it. But ask me again at the next press conference, and I might have an answer.” He clarified that no new entity is forming with his explicit blessing at this time.
The opposition currently comprises three members of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM): Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull, and Hon. Stacy Buddah Mather. It also includes Hon. Marlon A. Penn and Hon. Myron V. Walwyn of the National Democratic Party (NDP). Additionally, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, who contested the 2023 general elections under the NDP banner, sits as a member of the Opposition.
Elections are constitutionally due in 2027.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
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