Local News
New Bulldozer Commissioned at Pockwood Pond Waste Management Facility
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has commissioned a new bulldozer for the Pockwood Pond Waste Management Facility, marking what officials described as an important step toward improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley visited the facility last week to observe a demonstration of the new heavy-duty machine. He said the addition allows the department to handle more work internally and reduce its dependence on private contractors.
“It’s brand new and ready for operation,” Wheatley said. “This means that much of the work we previously outsourced can now be handled in-house, operated, maintained, and managed by our own team.”
Wheatley commended Acting Director of Waste Management Mr. Levi Benjamin and his team for maintaining consistent operations and preventing fires at the facility, noting there had been no reported fires in 2024 or 2025.
The minister also confirmed that the government is moving forward with plans to restore incineration capacity at Pockwood Pond. An international specialist recently assessed the existing 100-ton incinerator and presented two options — either repairing the current unit or replacing it with two 50-ton systems. A final decision is expected in the coming weeks.
Wheatley further acknowledged residents who have supported recycling and waste separation efforts. “Those who separate their garbage, compost, and reuse materials are leading by example,” he said. “The more we work together, the more we keep a cleaner, greener Virgin Islands.”
Acting Director Mr. Benjamin said the new bulldozer would strengthen the department’s capacity to manage daily operations.
“Having our own equipment is a game changer,” Benjamin said. “It saves on the costs and delays that come with outsourcing. Our team has already been trained and is ready to operate the machine efficiently, starting this week.”
Benjamin also highlighted ongoing waste-reduction initiatives, including glass and plastic recycling partnerships with the private sector and new programmes promoting waste diversion and reuse.
The Department of Waste Management said it remains committed to modernising its operations, improving waste collection and disposal systems, and expanding sustainable waste-management practices throughout the 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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