Local News
Jamaica Appoints First Honorary Consul to the British Virgin Islands
The Government of Jamaica has formally appointed Paul Dennis, KC, as its Honorary Consul to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), marking the first such appointment in the Territory. Mr. Dennis, a Jamaican national who has lived in the BVI for the past 32 years, is the Senior Partner at the local law firm O’Neal Webster.
Mr. Dennis paid a courtesy call on Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, during which he presented his credentials and discussed potential areas of cooperation between the two Caribbean neighbours. The appointment reflects the significant Jamaican diaspora in the Virgin Islands and is expected to deepen collaboration in trade, economic cooperation, agriculture, border security, education, and cultural exchange.
“As small island developing states, our strength lies in unity and our ability to stand together on matters of mutual interest and common concern,” Premier Wheatley said. “This new representation acknowledges the deep cultural and historical bonds between Jamaica and the Virgin Islands and creates a platform for stronger community ties, practical cooperation, and mutual advancement. We look forward to working closely with the Honorary Consul Mr. Dennis and the Government of Jamaica to deepen these connections and explore new avenues for partnership.”
In his new role, Mr. Dennis will provide consular support to Jamaican nationals in the BVI and promote Jamaica’s interests in the Territory. He will operate from offices at Commerce House, 181 Main Street, Road Town, Tortola, and work closely with local government officials to strengthen relations and identify opportunities for collaboration.
“It is a great privilege to serve as Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Dennis said. “I am committed to serving the Jamaican community, promoting Jamaica’s interests, and strengthening the relationship between our two territories. This appointment comes at a time when Caribbean nations are seeking to strengthen regional ties and promote integration in response to global challenges, including climate change, food security, and economic resilience. I look forward to working with the Government of the Virgin Islands to advance shared priorities.”
The Government of the Virgin Islands has extended its best wishes to Mr. Dennis as he assumes this important role, welcoming the appointment as a step towards fostering closer regional cooperation and enhancing the spirit of Caribbean solidarity.
K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.
Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.
Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.
The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, June 1, and runs through November 30. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) indicate an above-average season, with heightened activity anticipated across the Caribbean region.
NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). CSU’s forecast aligns closely, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.
Several climatic factors contribute to the anticipated increase in storm activity. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea remain warmer than average, providing additional energy to fuel storm development. Additionally, the expected transition from El Niño to La Niña conditions is likely to reduce wind shear in the tropics, further facilitating storm formation and intensification.
For the Caribbean, the implications are significant. CSU estimates a 66% probability of at least one major hurricane tracking through the region this season, compared to the historical average of 47%.
In response to the heightened activity forecast, NOAA has implemented several enhancements to its forecasting and communication strategies. The National Hurricane Center will now issue forecasts and storm tracks up to 48 hours before a storm’s potential formation, allowing for earlier warnings. Updated storm cones will include inland warnings and nationwide inundation mapping to better visualize flood risks. New rip current risk maps will also be provided when tropical systems are present.
As the season begins, residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to prepare accordingly. This includes assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and staying informed through official channels. While forecasts provide an overview of expected activity, the specific paths and impacts of individual storms can vary, underscoring the importance of readiness and vigilance throughout the season.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, individuals are encouraged to monitor information from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.
Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.
The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.
Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.
During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.
Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.
“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”
Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.
The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.
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