Local News
Premier Wheatley Pays Tribute as Eileene L. Parsons, OBE, Dies at 94
Eileene Lucia Parsons, OBE, a former Government Minister and one of the British Virgin Islands’ most influential cultural and political figures, died on Sunday, June 22, at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. She was 94.
Her passing was confirmed in an official statement by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who called her “a trailblazer, a cultural icon, and a patriot whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of our society.”
Parsons, who was born on July 5, 1930, spent much of her life in public service and cultural work. She was the first woman to hold the roles of Government Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council. Alongside Ethlyn Smith, she was one of the first women to serve in the Legislative Council, and one of the first at-large members ever elected.
“Ms. Parsons was a pioneer who shattered barriers and opened doors for future generations of women leaders,” Premier Wheatley said.
Her background in education and hospitality included studies in Puerto Rico, New York, and Florida International University, where she studied hospitality management. She later used her skills to serve in government, particularly in areas like education, health, and community development.
Parsons was best known for her dedication to preserving and promoting the culture of the Virgin Islands. She founded the BVI Heritage Dancers and helped lead several cultural groups, including the Community Singers. As a Government Minister, she was the first to make it possible for local cultural groups to travel and perform overseas.
“She made sure our culture wasn’t just kept at home—it was shared with the world,” the Premier said.
In 2013, Parsons was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to public life. The auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, where she also worked as a cultural officer, was named in her honor.
Outside of her official roles, she had a strong love for softball and horse racing and stayed active in community life well into her later years.
Parsons died just two weeks before her 95th birthday. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
“Virgin Islanders will miss her voice, presence, and contributions at home and abroad,” Premier Wheatley said. “We are forever grateful for her service and the mark she’s left on this Territory.”
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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