Local News

Respect, Not Money: Landowner Stands Firm Amid Hodges Creek Road Dispute

Published

3 months ago

February 25, 2025

Editor

– 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.”

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Local News

Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2025

Editor

Team USVI has withdrawn from the third-place match at the King of the Courts tournament following a disputed officiating decision in their semi-final against Team Tola, in which a final-seconds shot was ruled a 3-pointer instead of a 4-pointer.

The decision stems from a play with three seconds remaining in regulation. The shot was initially scored as three points by officials. However, after the match, video footage showed the shooter’s feet were behind the 4-point line.

“There was a controversial call involving a shot initially ruled a 3-pointer on the court,” tournament organisers stated. “After the game, video footage surfaced showing that the shot was, in fact, a 4-pointer.”

Despite the post-game evidence, the tournament’s existing rules do not permit video review or reversal of calls. “Unfortunately, King of the Courts does not utilise video review for officiating decisions, and the tournament director does not intervene in referee rulings made during the game,” the statement said.

“Under the current rules, the decision made on the court stands and cannot be changed post-game,” organisers confirmed.

Referees involved in the game have issued apologies to Team USVI. “Our referees have performed commendably throughout the tournament and have personally expressed their apologies to Team USVI for what transpired.”

In the same statement, King of the Courts referenced the challenges faced in basketball officiating. “Even in leagues like the NBA, where video review is available, controversial calls still occur.”

Organisers also stated they will review procedures going forward. “We will explore potential solutions to better address situations like this and ensure continued fairness and transparency in the competition.”

As a result of Team USVI’s withdrawal, St. Kitts — which finished third in its group — will play in the third-place match.

Crime/Police

Deputy Commissioner Confirms 17 Gun Robberies, Two Fatalities in 2025

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2025

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.

Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.

The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.

“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.

The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.

Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”

The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.

For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.

Contact information for tips: