Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards has dismissed the case against former Education and Culture Minister Myron V. Walwyn and former assistant secretary Lorna Stevens, ruling there was no case to answer in the breach of trust charges brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The ruling, delivered today, January 21, followed a preliminary inquiry into allegations related to the controversial Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project.

The decision effectively ends the prosecution’s case, with the Senior Magistrate finding insufficient evidence in the arguments presented. The dismissal brings to a close a chapter in the long-running investigation into the wall project, which has been the subject of public scrutiny for years.

The perimeter wall project, initiated in December 2014 under Mr. Walwyn’s tenure, has faced persistent criticism for budget overruns, alleged mismanagement, and a failure to deliver value for taxpayers. Despite more than $1 million spent, the project was never completed, as revealed in a 2018 report by Auditor General Sonia Webster.

Ms. Webster’s report highlighted significant concerns, including contract splitting into over 70 work orders and 15 petty contracts, many awarded to contractors without trade licenses. She concluded that the Ministry of Education and Culture failed to ensure proper oversight, resulting in overspending and poor value for public funds.

The findings of the Auditor General spurred a police investigation in March 2019. However, updates on the case were sparse until October 2022, when Ms. Stevens and Mr. Walwyn were arrested and charged. Ms. Stevens, who assisted with oversight of the project, was accused of breaching public trust.

The wall project was revisited in 2021 during the Commission of Inquiry (COI) led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom. In his April 2022 report, Sir Gary reiterated the concerns raised by Ms. Webster, labeling the project’s management as “extraordinary” and emphasizing the risks associated with the use of multiple unlicensed contractors. He recommended that the police investigation proceed without interference.

“The construction of a single wall involved 70 different contractors, the majority of whom had no constructor’s trade license, in circumstances which disregarded the increased costs and complexity,” Sir Gary wrote in his report. “This inevitably put at risk any desire to get the works completed at speed, as those involved, including [Mr. Walwyn], well knew.”

Senior Magistrate Richards’ findings signal a significant setback for the prosecution. Legal observers note that the court’s ruling raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the strategy employed in pursuing the charges.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has announced a temporary road closure from Windy Hill to Stoutt’s Lookout due to the oil spill and resulting vehicular accidents. The Fire Department has been contacted and is working to address the situation as quickly as possible.

RVIPF has confirmed that three vehicles were involved in collisions however no injuries have been reported.  One taxi reportedly slid off the road into nearby rocks earlier today.

Motorists, particularly tour operators, are advised to use alternative routes until further notice.

The British Virgin Islands Cricket Association (BVICA) has taken a major step toward the development of youth cricket by completing its first Safeguarding Course for coaches, a prerequisite for launching a territory-wide Youth Cricket Coaching Program.

The course, held recently and facilitated by Morris Mark of the BVI Football Association, covered critical aspects of safeguarding, including child protection, ethical standards, and fostering supportive environments for young athletes. The nine participants who completed the training are now equipped to ensure the safety and well-being of youth cricketers, marking a pivotal moment for the sport’s development in the Virgin Islands.

“This training is an essential step in laying the foundation for youth cricket in the BVI,” said Acting BVICA President Richard Francis. “With safeguarding at the forefront, we can provide a secure and nurturing environment for our young players to excel. This initiative reflects our commitment to not just growing the sport, but doing so responsibly.”

The Youth Cricket Coaching Program, set to debut in the coming weeks, will introduce cricket to children across the islands while emphasizing skills development and personal growth. The program’s objective is to nurture a new generation of cricketers who are not only talented athletes but also well-rounded individuals.

Trainer and facilitator Morris Mark commended the BVICA for prioritizing safeguarding, noting that it is an essential component of modern sports coaching. “Creating safe spaces for young athletes is critical to their development and enjoyment of the sport. These newly trained coaches now have the knowledge and tools to make a lasting positive impact,” Mark said.

The program is expected to include coaching sessions, skill-building exercises, and opportunities for young players to engage in matches and tournaments. By incorporating safeguarding principles into every aspect of the program, the BVICA hopes to establish a gold standard for youth sports in the region.

“This initiative goes beyond cricket,” Francis added. “It’s about building a culture where sports can thrive, and where every young player feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

The BVICA’s focus on safeguarding aligns with broader efforts to elevate the standards of youth sports in the Virgin Islands. The association’s leadership has expressed optimism that the Youth Cricket Coaching Program will inspire a deeper appreciation for the sport, while simultaneously preparing local talent to compete on larger stages in the future.