Local News
BVI Welcomes Six American Airlines Flights in One Day, Boosting Tourism
The Government of the Virgin Islands announced on Saturday, February 1, that American Airlines successfully operated six flights to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Officials described the milestone as a reflection of growing confidence in the Territory’s airlift capabilities and its expanding tourism sector.
Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer, highlighted the significance of the increased flight operations, stating, “The operation of multiple flights from American Airlines greatly enhances connectivity between the Virgin Islands and the United States, reinforcing the Virgin Islands’ status as a premier Caribbean destination. This increase in air service is expected to facilitate easier access for both visitors and residents, ultimately driving higher travel volumes and stimulating economic activity throughout the region.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, emphasized the role of infrastructure development in supporting the growing demand for air travel. “With air travel demand to the Virgin Islands on the rise, enhancing airport facilities is crucial for accommodating future growth,” she said. “The successful operation of these six flights underscores the importance of modernizing infrastructure to welcome more flights and passengers, and supporting the goal of establishing a vibrant year-round tourism industry in the Territory.”
Managing Director for the BVI Airports Authority, Mr. Kurt Menal, described the event as a step forward in the Territory’s airlift strategy. “The operation of these six flights by American Airlines not only marks a significant achievement in airlift capacity but also reflects a strong commitment to fostering economic prosperity in the Virgin Islands,” he said. “This event opens new opportunities for tourism development while reinforcing plans for further airport enhancements to meet increasing demand.”
The Ministry of Communications and Works reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing development and maintenance of public infrastructure, ensuring that utilities remain reliable and affordable. Officials noted that continued investment in the Territory’s aviation sector is essential for sustaining economic growth and improving connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
Five delegates from across the Caribbean are set to compete in the inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The pageant will feature contestants representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, and Turks & Caicos Islands. Each delegate brings experience in pageantry and community representation.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, Miss US Virgin Islands, previously held the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, won the title of Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. Milove J. S. Fontaine, representing Antigua & Barbuda, was crowned Miss Charisma in 2020. Tinell N. Garland, Miss Turks & Caicos Islands, will also compete for the title.
The competition will highlight cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the region. The winner will be the first to hold the title of Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen.
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A new book highlighting the work of Virgin Islands writer Ruby A. Smith-Newberry has been released. Ruby’s Writings: Poetry | Drama | Stories, compiled by Arlene Smith-Thompson, Ed.D., presents a collection of poetry, dramatic works, and short stories reflecting on themes of family, education, and society.
Smith-Newberry’s writing captures historical and cultural perspectives from the Virgin Islands, offering insights into the experiences of past generations. Her works document personal and communal narratives, portraying the roles of educators, family members, and societal influences in shaping the region’s development.
The collection brings together various pieces that span different literary forms, preserving Smith-Newberry’s contributions to Caribbean literature. The book serves as a record of her storytelling and the impact of her words on Virgin Islands history and culture.
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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is warning the public against the illegal circulation of explicit material involving minors, following reports of a video featuring high school students being shared across digital platforms.
Law enforcement officials stress that the possession, transmission, or distribution of such content constitutes a serious criminal offense under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2014. The law prohibits using a computer to “distribute, transmit, disseminate, circulate, exhibit, deliver [or] procure” material depicting child abuse, which includes child pornography.
Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis, who heads the Criminal Investigations Department, noted that recent amendments to the law have broadened the legal definition of a “computer” to include mobile phones, digital video recorders, and closed-circuit television systems. As a result, individuals who store or share such material via their smartphones are equally liable under the law.
Violators face severe penalties. Those convicted in the Magistrate’s Court could receive a fine of up to $200,000, up to seven years in prison, or both. More serious cases tried in the High Court could result in fines of up to $500,000, up to 14 years in prison, or both.
The RVIPF has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation materials and vows to take swift action against those involved in their creation, distribution, or possession.
“We urge the public to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or storing explicit content involving minors. Anyone caught engaging in this activity will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Davis said in a statement.
Authorities are also urging individuals who have received such material to delete it immediately and refrain from further circulation. Parents, educators, and guardians are encouraged to have open discussions with young people about the legal and personal consequences of engaging in or distributing explicit content.
For further information, individuals may contact the RVIPF Family and Juvenile Unit at 368-9401. Reports can be made confidentially through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international callers, at (284) 800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit can also be reached at 368-9339.
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BVI Welcomes Six American Airlines Flights in One Day, Boosting Tourism
Five Delegates Vie for First Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Title
Ruby’s Writings Brings Virgin Islands Literature to the Forefront
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