Local News
Premier Wheatley Represents Virgin Islands at 49th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Jamaica
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, is among regional leaders attending the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which officially opened on Saturday, July 6, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Premier is representing the Virgin Islands in high-level discussions focused on regional security, economic resilience, and deeper integration among Caribbean states.
The opening ceremony brought together representatives from all 21 CARICOM Member States and Associate Members. Hosted by the Government of Jamaica, the ceremony featured a display of the country’s cultural heritage through performances by noted Jamaican artists and creatives.
During remarks ahead of the summit’s formal sessions, Premier Wheatley emphasized the importance of the Virgin Islands’ participation in regional dialogue.
“This CARICOM meeting is a strategic opportunity for the Virgin Islands to deepen regional alliances and advance critical national interests,” Premier Wheatley stated. “From tackling transnational and organised crime in the region to addressing environmental vulnerabilities, we are here to ensure the Virgin Islands’ voice is both heard and supported.”
Outgoing CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, urged member states to strengthen unity and integration in response to the region’s growing challenges.
“There is no time for insularity or division,” Prime Minister Mottley said. “Our region must speak with one voice if we are to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
Assuming the role of incoming CARICOM Chair, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Andrew Holness, laid out a strategic vision for his six-month tenure. He identified public safety as a top priority, with a particular focus on dismantling criminal gang networks across the region. He also addressed issues relating to climate resilience, food security, and economic sustainability.
“We must confront the threat of organized crime, which undermines stability and development in our communities,” Prime Minister Holness stated. “Equally, we must strengthen our capacity to respond to climate-related events and secure food and energy supplies for our people.”
The three-day summit, running from July 6 to 8, 2025, features a series of plenary sessions and bilateral meetings aimed at promoting regional cooperation and advancing shared development goals. Discussions are expected to result in joint statements and action plans addressing key issues facing CARICOM member states and territories.
Premier Wheatley is scheduled to continue active engagement throughout the conference, contributing to discussions on security, climate adaptation, trade, and the role of Associate Members like the Virgin Islands in shaping regional policy.
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.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police19 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Elections 202320 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Local News20 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola