Local News
Respect, Not Money: Landowner Stands Firm Amid Hodges Creek Road Dispute
– Roadworks Resumes After Landowner, Government Reach Agreement
The roadworks project in Hodges Creek has hit a roadblock—not because of financial demands, but because of a lack of respect, according to landowner Clyde Chalwell.
Chalwell, the owner of the land where the government is carrying out major roadworks, says he was never consulted before the project began, and that is the real issue at hand.
“No one has come to me, my family members, or anyone to have a conversation about the infringement on our property,” Chalwell said. “We’ve been waiting and waiting for someone to come talk to us, and up to now, that has not happened.”
According to Chalwell, his recent move to erect boundary poles was not meant to halt the project, but simply to mark what is rightfully his.
“I haven’t stopped the road, I haven’t stopped the work. All I am doing is marking my boundaries, like any other property owner would do,” he explained. “You can’t just jump on someone’s property and do as you like without consultation.”
The disputed section of land has been in use as part of the roadway for years, but with the new rehabilitation project, Chalwell believes the government should have done the right thing and engaged him in discussion first.
“If this is a new construction, and they have a plan, then let’s have a conversation about it,” he said. “Why do I have to reach out to them? If I needed access to government land, I would have to go to them. They are the ones accessing my land, not the other way around.”
Public opinion has swirled with speculation that Chalwell is seeking money from the government in exchange for the land. He firmly rejects this claim.
“Money never crossed my mind, and it’s still not on my mind. The land is not for sale,” he stated. “It’s about doing the correct thing. This isn’t North Korea. We don’t live in a dictatorship. I have rights, just like everyone else.”
Chalwell emphasised that a simple discussion could resolve the matter immediately.
“All I want is a conversation. Let me know what you’re doing. Get my blessing to continue,” he said. “I’m not against any project. The government just has to be responsible and act as a government.”
A meeting between Chalwell and Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, took place today. Following the discussion, Chalwell agreed to remove the boundary poles, allowing the project to proceed.
“I never wanted to stop anything; I just wanted them to do the right thing and speak to me first,” Chalwell said after the meeting. “Now that we’ve had that conversation, we can move forward.”
Chalwell also criticised what he sees as a pattern of government actions that disregard the rights of local landowners.
“If I needed to use a government facility, I would have to ask. But when it comes to a BVIslander’s land, they do what they want,” he said. “You can’t put a telephone pole in front of someone’s house without permission, but they think they can just take our land without asking? That won’t happen.”
Following this interview with Jahphixtelevision (JTV) , Chalwell met with Premier Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Minister of Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer. After the meeting, he informed JTV that he agreed to remove the boundary poles, allowing the project to move forward.
As the roadworks resume, Chalwell insists that his stance was never about obstructing development but ensuring that due process and respect are upheld.
“The government must be held accountable,” he said. “You don’t just take people’s property without asking. That’s not how it works.”
A record number of utility companies and businesses have registered for the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, set to take place on Sunday, April 27, in Tortola. Hosted for the first time by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), the event will be held on the grounds behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in Road Town. With 14 utility companies and eight private sector participants confirmed, this year’s rodeo marks the largest gathering in the event’s history. Held under the theme “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, the rodeo will bring together teams from across the region for a day of competition, skill-building, and camaraderie.
The confirmed utility companies represent a broad cross-section of the Caribbean and include Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. (Anguilla), Antigua Public Utilities Authority (Antigua), Bahamas Power and Light (Bahamas), Barbados Light & Power Company (Barbados), Belize Electricity Limited (Belize), British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (British Virgin Islands), Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenada), N.V. Elmar (Aruba), N.V. GEBE (St. Maarten), Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (Nevis), St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (St. Kitts), St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Lucia), St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Vincent), and Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (U.S. Virgin Islands), which is also a Gold Sponsor.
In addition to the utility companies, eight businesses and organizations from the private sector will participate: American Wire Group (Bronze Sponsor), Buckingham Manufacturing (Gold Sponsor), Milwaukee Tool, Prime Fleet Services Dielectric, Safety Exports (Silver Sponsor), Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training (Silver Sponsor), BVI Cable TV, and CCT.
The CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo is more than a competition; it is a celebration of technical expertise, teamwork, and regional unity. Each year, the event highlights the critical work of lineworkers while promoting safety practices and professional development. Field demonstrations and challenges are complemented by training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, in line with CARILEC’s mission to strengthen the region’s energy workforce.
Dr. Neil Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, called the event a proud milestone for the Virgin Islands.
“We are incredibly proud to host this historic edition of the CARILEC Rodeo. With the largest group of utility teams and business participants to date, this event underscores the strength of regional collaboration and the growing importance of innovation, training, and workforce development in our industry.”
Chairman of the BVIEC Board, Mr. Sheldon Scatliffe, added:
“This event highlights the importance of investing in our people and infrastructure. We look forward to a day of spirited competition, knowledge exchange, and community pride as we showcase the best of the Caribbean’s lineworker talent—right here in the Virgin Islands.”
The Rodeo will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a March Pass, followed by an Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support their local team, BVIEC, as they aim for a third consecutive win, following previous victories in Saint Lucia (2023) and Antigua (2024).
About BVIEC:
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions while fostering talent development and innovation in the Territory.
About CARILEC:
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation connects electric utilities and industry stakeholders across the Caribbean, promoting resilience, knowledge exchange, and advancement in the regional energy sector
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.
According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.
Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.
Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.
Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”
Carlene Herbert has been officially appointed as the Virgin Islands’ new Supervisor of Elections, effective March 10, bringing more than two decades of experience in governance, public sector administration, and communications to the post.
The announcement was made by the Office of the Deputy Governor, where Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. welcomed Herbert to the role. “Managing elections in the Virgin Islands is no small task,” Archer said. “But I am confident in Ms. Herbert’s ability to succeed in this important position. My office, the Public Service, and I are fully committed to working alongside her as she fulfills this vital role in our community.”
Herbert’s academic background includes dual Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration and Corporate and Trust Administration from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second Class Honours from the University of Essex.
“I am truly honoured and excited for this opportunity to serve my country in this role,” Herbert said. “I am committed to ensuring the continued development and success of elections administration in the Territory.”
As Supervisor of Elections, Herbert will oversee the operations of the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, including the maintenance of the Register of Voters and broader election administration duties. Her appointment follows the departure of former Supervisor of Elections, Scherrie Griffin, who has transitioned to a new position at the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Permanent Secretary Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, acknowledged Griffin’s contributions, stating, “During her time, Ms. Griffin provided stellar leadership to the Office of the Supervisor of Elections. We are immensely grateful for her efforts and wish her the very best as she transitions onward.”
Record Turnout Expected at 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo in British Virgin Islands
Major Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police
Crime in the Virgin Islands Drops to Five-Year Low
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