Local News
Eileene L. Parsons, OBE, Influential BVI Cultural and Political Leader, Dies at 94
Eileene Lucia Parsons, OBE, one of the most prominent cultural and political figures in the history of the British Virgin Islands, died on Sunday, June 22, at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. She was 94.
Born on July 5, 1930, Parsons was a pioneering figure in both education and politics. Her contributions spanned decades, during which she was instrumental in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Territory. She was a founding member of several longstanding cultural organizations, including the BVI Heritage Dance Company and the Community Singers.
Parsons made history as one of the first women to serve in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, where she held several senior roles, including Minister of Health, Education and Welfare, and Deputy Chief Minister. Her tenure in government was marked by strong advocacy for education and cultural development, leading to tangible advancements in public policy and civic life across the Territory.
In recognition of her contributions, she was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013. The auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, where she served as a cultural officer, was later named in her honor.
District Six Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, acknowledged her passing in a public statement, referring to Parsons as “a trailblazer, a powerful voice, and a true cultural icon.” He added, “Her leadership was marked by integrity, vision, and unwavering dedication to the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Parsons, affectionately known as “Ms. P,” was widely respected for her outspoken nature and deep commitment to the community. Her legacy continues through the institutions she helped shape and the many individuals she mentored throughout her life.
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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