Local News
Speaker George-Massicote Addresses Technology-Facilitated Violence at CIWiL Conference in Barbados
The Hon. Corine N. George-Massicote, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, delivered the keynote address at the Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) Conference on June 18, focusing on the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence (TFV) against women.
Speaking on the theme “The Impact of Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women,” Speaker George-Massicote addressed delegates from across the region, calling for stronger protections for women in public life who face harassment and abuse online.
“Technology should be a platform for progress—not a weapon of oppression,” George-Massicote said during her remarks. “We must unite to protect women’s voices, ensuring leadership is strengthened by courage, not silenced by fear.”
Referencing international data and regional experiences, the Speaker pointed to the disproportionate impact TFV has on women in leadership, particularly those working in male-dominated fields. She described the psychological, professional, and social consequences of online harassment, including anxiety, career stagnation, reputational harm, and self-censorship.
“Online abuse is not a side effect of public service. It is a structural barrier to women’s full participation in governance and democracy,” she said.
George-Massicote called for coordinated responses from governments, technology platforms, civil society, and educational institutions to confront the issue. Her recommendations included enhanced digital literacy, legislative reform, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and the development of inclusive, respectful online cultures.
In her closing remarks, she urged emerging leaders in attendance to advocate for policy change and collective action.
“Let us move beyond words on gender equality—let us embed it into our policies, technologies, and cultures,” she stated.
The CIWiL Conference gathered women leaders, policymakers, academics, and advocates from across the Caribbean to explore solutions to the challenges affecting women’s advancement. Speaker George-Massicote’s participation highlighted the Virgin Islands’ ongoing commitment to gender justice and democratic inclusion.
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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