Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has made it clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot enter school grounds in the U.S. Virgin Islands without a judicial warrant. In a memorandum issued on January 29,  to cabinet members and government staff, Bryan outlined strict guidelines for handling ICE activity, particularly within public schools.

“Schools should not permit the agent to enter the school building without a warrant signed by a judicial officer,” the governor stated in the directive. He emphasised that administrative warrants, which are issued by immigration authorities but not approved by a judge, do not grant access to non-public locations such as schools.

The guidance also makes clear that ICE agents cannot question students without parental consent or request immigration-related information from school staff. Disclosing such details without a judicial order or subpoena could violate students’ rights.

Bryan instructed school officials to report any ICE presence immediately. “The Commissioner of Education shall immediately notify the Attorney General of reported ICE activity,” the memorandum states.

The governor also reaffirmed that local law enforcement officers are not required to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. “Federal ICE activity is not sanctioned or assisted by local law enforcement,” he wrote, stressing that peace officers in the territory are responsible for protecting residents and enforcing local laws, not aiding federal immigration operations.

The directive has been met with support from education officials and community advocates.

“Our job is to educate and protect children, not to act as immigration enforcers,” said a senior Department of Education official. “This guidance ensures that our schools remain safe spaces for all students.”

Immigrant rights advocates also welcomed the governor’s stance. “Families should not have to live in fear that dropping their child off at school could result in an immigration encounter,” said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group.

While ICE has not publicly commented on its operations in the territory, Bryan’s memorandum sends a strong message that the USVI government will not facilitate federal immigration enforcement in schools.

Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and Junior Minister of Tourism Luce Hodge officially welcomed Iona and Avira, sister ships from P&O Cruises, during a ceremonial event at the port. The occasion marked the inaugural call of Iona to the British Virgin Islands and the first instance of the two sister ships docking together in the territory.

Iona and Avira, vessels from P&O Cruises, a prominent British cruise line, visited the Virgin Islands as part of their scheduled itineraries. The dual presence of the sister ships highlights the role of the BVI in the cruise industry and its capacity to accommodate vessels of significant size.

Passengers and crew from both ships were welcomed at the port before venturing out to experience the Virgin Islands. This dual docking highlights the increasing popularity of the BVI as a cruise destination.

Hon. Melvin M. Turnbull, Second District Representative, strongly criticised the government’s neglect of seniors and the growing problem of crime during the Opposition’s press conference on January 17. He called for immediate solutions to protect the territory’s most vulnerable populations and address escalating social challenges.

“Our seniors have toiled for decades to build this territory,” Turnbull stated. “It is unacceptable that the National Health Insurance and the BVI Health Services Authority have not ensured that exempt individuals, including our seniors, are truly free from the cost of accessing health care at our facilities.”

Turnbull highlighted the challenges faced by elderly citizens who struggle to afford medical care despite policies intended to exempt them from such costs. He stressed the need for immediate action to alleviate these burdens.

“This territory owes its progress to the sacrifices of our seniors,” he continued. “It is our moral obligation to ensure they receive the support they need without additional burdens on their already stretched finances.”

Turnbull also criticised the inadequacy of current retirement benefits, pointing out the rising cost of living and the impact on seniors’ quality of life. He urged the government to take responsibility for addressing this issue.

“Our seniors deserve better. They should not have to choose between basic necessities and living with dignity,” Turnbull said. “I urge the ministry responsible to prioritise this and make the necessary changes without delay.”

Shifting focus to crime, Turnbull described it as an alarming issue affecting the entire Virgin Islands. He emphasised that crime is not confined to a single district but is a challenge that requires a united response.

“Crime continues to be a growing concern, and it does not just affect one district—it affects the entire territory,” Turnbull said. “These social ills are deeply rooted, and we must address the underlying causes if we are to make meaningful progress.”

Turnbull called on the government to stop delaying action and take immediate steps to resolve these pressing issues. He stressed that the wellbeing of seniors and the safety of all residents should be top priorities.

“The time for excuses is over,” he said. “We need real action to ensure our seniors can live with dignity and to restore safety and stability to our communities.”

Turnbull’s remarks reinforced the Opposition’s stance that the government is failing to meet its obligations, leaving critical issues unresolved and the territory’s most vulnerable citizens unsupported.