NEWS
  • CDC Investigates Illness Outbreak on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas || BVI Governor Attends Men's Health Fair as Community Pushes for Wellness || St. George’s Secondary and VISTS Advance in Inter-Secondary School Debates || BVI Citizens Do Not Require Visas for Travel to Guyana || MPs Criticise British Virgin Islands Over New Corporate Ownership Register. ||. BVI Welcomes Six American Airlines Flights in One Day, Boosting Tourism || CIBC Caribbean Helps Restock Family Support Network Pantry in BVI || Tortola Auto Group Rolls Out "Deals 2 Love" Sales Event for Valentine’s Day || Three Women Set Their Sights on Miss RVIPF 2025 Title || BVI Government Launches “Business Done RIGHT” Campaign to Strengthen Financial Integrity || BVI to Honour Late Educator Ruby Smith-Newberry with Literary and Cultural Celebration || PAW BVI Nears Milestone of 5,000 Spay/Neuter Surgeries || ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
Connect with us

Local News

BVI Welcomes Six American Airlines Flights in One Day, Boosting Tourism

Published

on

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.

Local News

Man Drowns After Being Swept Off Rocks by Wave in the Carrot Bay

Published

on

By

A man drowned Wednesday afternoon after being swept into the sea by a powerful wave while fishing along the rocky coastline of Carrot Bay, local authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred near the former site of the Isabella Morris Primary School, which has since been demolished. According to witnesses, the victim was fishing with two other men when a massive wave pulled him into the water. His companions ran for help, but by the time assistance arrived, he had already disappeared beneath the waves.

Local fishermen later recovered the man’s body. The drowning occurred sometime before 5:30 p.m. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.

Police remained at the scene Wednesday evening, where the body was kept on a vessel at the Fisherman’s Ramp awaiting transportation. An investigation is ongoing.

Continue Reading

Local News

BVI Team Wins Plate at Kowloon RugbyFest 2025

Published

on

By

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) rugby team secured the Plate at the 2025 Kowloon RugbyFest, held on March 27 in Hong Kong. The one-day, 10-a-side tournament drew teams from around the world, with the BVI squad advancing through the competition to emerge Plate champions.

This year’s RugbyFest featured more than 30 teams across multiple divisions, hosted at King’s Park Sports Ground. The tournament, organized annually by the Kowloon Rugby Club, is one of the largest social rugby events in Asia and includes elite, open, and veteran brackets.

The BVI squad, which included several young players making their debut debut outside of the Caribbean and Central America.—Roquan Hemmering, D’Von Jones, Jayden Williams, and Gethin Jones—recorded a series of wins and competitive matchups en route to the Plate final. Their performance earned them a place among the top contenders of the tournament’s second-tier playoff round.

In addition to their tournament participation, BVI players were invited to join the Pot Bellied Pigs RFC in a memorial rugby match honoring the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings. The match took place as part of the club’s annual tribute event during RugbyFest. The Pot Bellied Pigs, based in Asia, are known for combining rugby with charitable initiatives and commemorative matches.

The BVI team’s involvement in the memorial game marked the first time the territory was represented in that capacity at RugbyFest.

 

ADVERTISEMENT:

Continue Reading

Crime/Police

Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

Published

on

By

 A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.

Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”

Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.

“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”

The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.

“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”

Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.

“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”

While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.

“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”

In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”

Continue Reading

Trending