Local News
Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match
Team USVI has withdrawn from the third-place match at the King of the Courts tournament following a disputed officiating decision in their semi-final against Team Tola, in which a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.
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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