Local News

Premier Denies Talks with Lorna Smith on Rejoining Government

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2025

Editor

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has denied having discussions with former Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, about rejoining the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government in the House of Assembly.

Speaking to JTV today, February 6, following a contract signing for the territory’s inaugural Solar Technology and Energy program, Hon. Wheatley addressed speculation following a report suggesting he had been in talks with Smith. “I want all of them to come over, all of them—but no, I have not engaged Hon. Smith in any discussion about coming over,” he stated. However, the premier acknowledged reaching out to her for assistance on financial services matters.

Smith, who was dismissed from the government on October 23, 2024, has also refuted claims that she has returned to the VIP government.

“It is not true. I continue to serve the people of this territory to the best of my ability as an independent member of the Opposition,” Smith asserted. Pressed on whether she had ongoing discussions with the premier about rejoining the government, she declined to elaborate, saying, “I have no further comment.”

Smith, who was appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade after the April 2023 general elections, was removed from office via an official letter from Premier Wheatley that morning.

“At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, I received a letter from the Hon. Premier stating he requested that His Excellency the Governor revoke my appointment,” Smith said in a statement at the time.

Her departure resulted in Third District Representative Julian Fraser’s appointment as Deputy Premier. Fraser, a former VIP member and chairman of the Progressives United party, has aligned himself with the ruling VIP government. Wheatley defended the leadership change as a necessary step for ensuring stability.

“This is a necessary change to the composition of the government that provides my administration with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve us well over the course of this House of Assembly,” Wheatley said at the time. “Political stability is critical at this time to ensure we finalize the completion of governance reforms and effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”

Smith, initially elected as a Territorial-At-Large representative under the National Democratic Party (NDP), broke ranks to help form the VIP-led administration before ultimately resigning from the NDP.

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Local News

Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands

Published

7 days ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.

According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.

“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.

Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.

Entertainment

Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.

Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.

Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.

Entertainment

Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut

Published

2 weeks ago

February 20, 2026

Editor

Caribbean designer Andrea Wilson has thanked her supporters after showing her first New York Fashion Week showcase on February 14 in Manhattan — a milestone that also celebrated ten years of her swim and resort wear label, The Islander.

Her showcase, I’Landed in the Big Apple, was both anniversary and arrival in one of fashion’s global capitals. More than 20 new designs from her latest collection, Ocean Odyssey, swept down the runway in saturated colour and fluid silhouettes alongside a retrospective capsule from her earlier Wave Collection.

Collectively, the pieces traced a decade of design shaped by Caribbean light, landscape and movement.

“It was an experience,” Andrea said afterwards. “There were hiccups — a venue change, flight delays — but I am simply grateful. This would not have been possible without my family, my friends, the models and my extraordinary team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

She offered particular thanks to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who attended and walked the runway in support of Caribbean fashion.

He wore designs by Andrea and fellow British Virgin Islands creative Germain Smith, whose label Kym’Asia is known for its fluid, gender-expansive approach to couture. Emerging designer Morgan Creque, founder of Trippy Tortuga, also presented work during the evening.

Jewellery for the showcase was created by Ammique Mills of Artistry, whose striking pieces are crafted from sea-worn fabrics and natural elements, complementing the island-inspired collections.

Approximately 30 models — representing the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis,

the United Kingdom and the United States — took part in the show. The models also competed in the Anastacia Magazine Model Competition, where Keedencia Harris of St Kitts and Nevis won the top model prize, with her fellow islanders taking second and third places,

showing the depth of emerging Caribbean talent.

Former Miss British Virgin Islands Universe World Ayana Phillips, also known as DJ Lady Mix, curated the soundtrack, infusing the space with Caribbean rhythm and energy.For Andrea, a 2016 Branson Centre Entrepreneur, the New York debut signals wider ambitions.

“Next year we will elevate the experience even further in New York City,” she said. “By year’s end, we are setting our sights on Africa. I am thankful beyond words to everyone who has supported this journey.”

The showcase was filmed as part of a reality series in development documenting Wilson’s path to New York Fashion Week, with plans for international broadcast and festival screenings across the United States and Europe.

Photography was led by New York-based Cheryl Gorski and British Virgin Islands photographer

Kelvin Titley, supported by videographers Camroy Peters and Jordan Lewis.