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.
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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