Local News
Virgin Islands Launches National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was officially launched on February 11 at Maria’s by the Sea in Road Town, Tortola. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, marks a significant step in preserving the territory’s ecosystems amid increasing environmental threats.
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, stressed the urgency of the project, stating, “Our environment is our identity, our lifeline, our greatest asset, and it is our duty to protect it for generations to come.” He outlined the challenges facing the Virgin Islands, including climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, highlighting the impact of sand mining on Anegada, which is leading to coastal erosion and habitat loss.
The Virgin Islands Rock Iguana, an endangered species found nowhere else on Earth, was identified as one of the critical species under threat. “If we continue on this path, we will lose more than just our natural beauty. We will lose the resources that sustain our people,” Dr. Smith-Berkeley warned.
The NBSAP aims to integrate biodiversity conservation into national planning, ensuring sustainable development while protecting the territory’s natural resources. The strategy aligns with the United Kingdom’s Biodiversity Strategy, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Smith-Berkeley acknowledged the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for its role in regional environmental sustainability efforts. He also expressed gratitude to PC Consultants Ltd. of Guyana, Dr. Shannon Gore of Coastal Management Systems, and the European Union’s BioSPACE Project for their contributions to the initiative.
Calling on the community to play an active role, Dr. Smith-Berkeley stated, “Conservation is not the responsibility of a single ministry or a handful of experts. It is a collective effort. It is a call to action for every one of us to protect what we have before it is too late.”
The NBSAP is expected to guide policies and actions that will ensure the Virgin Islands’ environment remains resilient and productive for future generations.
Entertainment
Local Farmers to Launch Educational Children’s Books Celebrating Agriculture and Culture in the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands’ cultural and literary community is poised to welcome the launch of two new educational publications authored by local farmers next week, marking a unique blend of agriculture, culture, and youth education.
The books — Johnny the Great Rooster and Arona’s First Garden Colouring Book — are the work of Jeffrey and Arona Forbes, a husband-and-wife team deeply rooted in the territory’s farming community. The publications aim to instill an appreciation for sustainable farming and traditional knowledge in younger generations.
Johnny the Great Rooster is a narrative children’s book that explores the often-overlooked role of chickens and roosters in sustainable agriculture. Through storytelling, the book underscores their importance in soil health, natural food production, and the preservation of cultural practices tied to rural life.
Meanwhile, Arona’s First Garden Colouring Book takes a more hands-on approach, introducing children to the basics of planting, nurturing, and harvesting. Its interactive format is designed to encourage early interest in gardening and the environment.
“The primary purpose of Johnny is to portray for all readers the important role that the rooster and chickens play in soil preservation, the provision of meat and eggs naturally, and the sustenance of our cultural heritage,” said the authors in a joint statement.
Anne Lennard, Deputy Director of Culture, praised the couple’s contribution, noting their longstanding influence in the agricultural sector. “The Forbeses are planting more than crops,” she said. “They are also planting seeds of knowledge, pride, and sustainability. Their work reflects the heart of our heritage, and these books will be valuable educational tools for generations to come.”
A public launch event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. at Transformation Church International in Road Town. The program will include readings, book signings, and an opportunity to meet the authors.
The event is hosted by the Department of Culture, whose mandate includes preserving and promoting the Virgin Islands’ cultural identity. The department continues to support local artists, educators, and tradition-bearers through initiatives that bridge the past and future.
Crime/Police
Three Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI

Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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