Local News

British Virgin Islands Players Face Tough Matches at PanAm Squash Championships

Published

8 months ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The British Virgin Islands men’s squash team competed in the individual stage of the Pan American Senior Squash Championships, held Aug. 21–27 in Rio de Janeiro.

Joe Chapman of the BVI lost 3-0 to Matias Lacroix of Chile, with game scores of 11-5, 11-3, 11-4. Danny Henderson lost 3-2 to Seth Thong of Trinidad and Tobago, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 13-15, 11-5. Oliver Henderson fell 3-0 to Roberto Pezzota of Argentina, 11-2, 11-8, 11-9, and Luca Reich lost 3-0 to Noah Browne of Bermuda, 11-6, 11-9, 11-3.

Coach Adam Murrills said the tournament provides a higher level of competition compared with regional play. “Playing the PanAm Champs is always a big step up from simply competing within the Caribbean as the standard amongst some of the bigger countries within the region is very strong, with the likes of the USA, Colombia, Canada, Mexico, etc. being strong forces within the squash world,” Murrills said.

He noted that despite the results, he was encouraged by the team’s performance. “Overall I was very happy with the standard that our players performed at,” Murrills said. “It was great to see Joe back in action for the BVI after a break from competitive squash.

Our young group of players — Danny, 17, Oli, 19, and Luca, 22 — have been training hard over the past few months including intensive training camps with input from England’s former national coach and also the World No. 59 from Colombia, Matias Knudsen. I can definitely see the improvements.”

The squad will next compete in the team event portion of the championships later this week.

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Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

19 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

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.

Local News

Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8

Published

20 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

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.

Elections 2023

Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly

Published

20 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

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.