Local News
Contract Awarded for Phase 2 of Cane Garden Bay Sewerage Network Project
The Government of the Virgin Islands has awarded a $3.79 million contract to Connect Enterprises Limited for Phase 2 of the Cane Garden Bay Sewerage Network Project, marking a significant step in the area’s long-overdue infrastructure upgrades.
The contract, valued at $3,785,274.55, covers the installation of approximately 4,500 linear feet of gravity sewer lines and pumping mains. It also includes the construction of a main pump station next to the newly built wastewater treatment plant, as well as three smaller pump stations and two lift stations. The project aims to modernize Cane Garden Bay’s wastewater management system, addressing long-standing sanitation and environmental concerns.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley underscored the project’s importance, calling it a “critical investment” in the area’s infrastructure. “This project will significantly improve sanitation and environmental conditions, paving the way for sustainable development and economic growth in Cane Garden Bay,” he stated.
Minister for Works Hon. Kye M. Rymer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing public health and protecting the environment. “The implementation of the sewer network is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure,” Rymer said. “This long-awaited upgrade will bring lasting benefits to the community.”
Also present at the contract signing was Hon. Melvin Turnbull, Representative for the Second Electoral District, who expressed gratitude to the government on behalf of his constituents. “I am elated that this critical phase of the project is about to commence,” he said. “This has been a long time coming, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the people of Cane Garden Bay.”
Connect Enterprises Limited, a Virgin Islands-based company, will lead the construction efforts. Company representative Ms. Chastity George said the firm is honored to be part of the initiative. “We are committed to delivering a high-quality sewer network that meets the needs of the community,” George stated. “We look forward to working alongside the government and residents to bring this project to fruition.”
The project will include the installation of 42 manholes, facilitating efficient sewage conveyance. Upon completion, the road and adjacent sidewalks damaged during construction will be fully restored, ensuring minimal long-term disruption to the community.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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