Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has issued a forceful rebuttal to the findings of a UK-led law enforcement review, rejecting several of its key recommendations and defending the territory’s right to self-governance.

The report, Law Enforcement Review Part Two, was published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and forms part of an ongoing UK oversight effort following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry. While the Premier acknowledged the government’s cooperation throughout the inspection process, he condemned what he called a “mischaracterisation” of the Virgin Islands and its people.

“The safety of our citizens is paramount,” Wheatley stated. “Equally, the legal and regulatory stability of our jurisdiction is at the heart of its appeal as a leading international finance centre.”

Though some of the report’s recommendations will be reviewed and potentially implemented, Wheatley said others will be firmly rejected. Chief among his concerns was the suggestion that more power should be transferred to the UK Government—a move he described as a threat to the territory’s democratic and constitutional rights.

“To accept this premise would also represent submitting to colonial overreach, and a retrograde step for democracy in the British Virgin Islands,” he said.

Wheatley also criticized the report for overlooking significant reforms already underway since the fieldwork was conducted in 2023. These include enhanced measures to combat financial crime and broader efforts to improve governance, many of them driven by the territory’s response to the Commission of Inquiry and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s evaluation.

The Premier underscored that the Governor, who is appointed by the UK and holds constitutional responsibility for security, is not beyond scrutiny and is also the subject of criticism in the report.

“We wish to work constructively alongside the UK Government and Governor in a modern partnership,” Wheatley added. “But we cannot compromise on our democratic and constitutional rights.”

He confirmed that the House of Assembly will systematically evaluate each recommendation in the report, determining which are in the best interest of the territory and which will be formally rejected. A formal response will be delivered to both the Governor and the UK Government.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had not responded publicly by press time.

The man who drowned off the coast of Carrot Bay on Wednesday has been identified as Ronnie a Jamaican national employed employed by Mr. Roy Smith as a backhoe operator in the British Virgin Islands.

The incident occurred near the former site of the Isabella Morris Primary School, an area commonly used for shoreline fishing. Ronnie had been fishing with two other men when a large wave swept him into the sea.

His companions ran to seek help, but by the time emergency personnel arrived, Ronnie had already disappeared beneath the water. Local fishermen later recovered his body. The drowning occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m.

The body was held on a vessel at the Fisherman’s Ramp while officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force remained on scene to begin their investigation. An autopsy has been ordered.

The police investigation is ongoing. No foul play is suspected at this time.

Authorities have reminded the public to exercise caution along rocky coastlines, especially during periods of high surf or strong wave activity.

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Rising music star Monéa has just hit another major milestone—she’s been nominated for a Caribbean Music Award, officially placing her among the top breakout dancehall artists of the year. She joins a talented lineup of emerging acts, including Armanii, Malie Donn, and Lady Lava, further proving that her influence on the Caribbean music scene is only growing.

Monéa is up for Caribbean R&B Artist of the Year, competing against a strong roster of regional talent, including Barbados’ Amanda Reifer and Jamaican stars Tosh Alexander, D’yani, and Dexta Daps—whom she’s previously collaborated with. Her signature sound, which she calls “Tropikana”—a fusion of dancehall and pop—has been turning heads internationally, solidifying her status as a genre-bending force in the industry.

The Caribbean Music Awards, now in its third year, will take place over Labor Day weekend in New York. Hosted by the Caribbean Elite Group, the event honors artists, producers, and industry professionals across multiple Caribbean genres. This year’s awards feature over 150 nominees across 40+ categories, including standout artists from the U.S. Virgin Islands like Pressure, Pumpa, Th3rd, Star Martin, and Kruziano.

Fans can support Monéa by casting their votes on the Caribbean Music Awards website, with voting open until Friday, May 1.

This nomination is historic—not only for Monéa but for her home, the British Virgin Islands. She’s officially the first artist from the BVI to ever receive a nod from the Caribbean Music Awards. The recognition couldn’t come at a better time, as she gears up to drop her highly anticipated sophomore album, Tropikana Vol. 2: Mood Swings, later this summer.

“Being nominated is an incredible honor,” Monéa said. “To be recognized among such talented artists is humbling, and I’m grateful for the support of my fans and my home in the BVI.”