Local News
Anegada Being Treated as “Distant Cousins” of the BVI, Urges Government Action – Lorna Smith
Territorial-At-Large Representative Lorna Smith, OBE, has issued a strong call for the government to address the long-standing neglect of Anegada, particularly regarding delays in land allocation, unpaid workers, and lack of economic support. Speaking at an opposition press conference on January 17, Smith criticised what she described as unfair treatment of Anegadians, urging immediate action to resolve these critical issues.
“While on Anegada, one of the things that concerns me deeply—and I believe it concerns all of us in the opposition—is that the land titles that were agreed to be given to Anegadians over a year ago are still not in their hands,” Smith stated. “What is even more annoying and concerning to Anegadians is that persons who are not from Anegada are able to carry on their developments ahead of Anegadians. I call on the government to fix these kinds of issues.”
Smith underscored the frustration among Anegadians over the delay, pointing out that their aspirations for land ownership have been stifled, despite assurances from the government. She criticised the disparity, noting that non-residents appear to face fewer hurdles in pursuing developments.
Adding to her concerns, Smith highlighted the plight of workers who played a pivotal role in advancing the work of the Anegada Lands Commission. “Last year, we approved supplementary provisions for the persons who had worked so hard on the Anegada Lands Commission, doing all the groundwork to bring between 60 to 90 land grants to approval. These people still have not been paid the monies owed to them,” she said.
Smith described Anegada’s treatment as unacceptable and akin to being “a distant cousin of the British Virgin Islands.” She called for the government to prioritise the island’s development. “I call on the government to bring Anegada to the centre, as I always say, and to give them the kind of attention that they need.”
Smith also touched on the exclusion of Anegadians from micro and small business grants. “There are a number of Anegadians who made applications for assistance under the micro and small business grants, and they were also left out of the fold,” she said.
She urged the government to rectify the situation, expressing hope for a resolution. “Having spoken to them, having spoken to the ministry and the Department of Trade, I hope they will receive the grants that they are eligible for this year.”
In her remarks, Smith expanded her criticism to include issues faced by other sister islands, such as Jost Van Dyke. She expressed solidarity with representatives advocating for fair treatment and equitable development across all islands.
“Anegadians deserve better. It is time for the government to step up and honour their commitments,” Smith concluded.
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.
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.
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.
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations
Young Scientists Honored in British Virgin Islands for Groundbreaking Water Research
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers
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