Local News
Lucinda “Mini” Smith Named CIBC Caribbean Regional Unsung Hero for 2025
Lucinda “Mini” Smith of Tortola has been named the CIBC Caribbean Regional Unsung Hero for 2025, recognising her decades of volunteerism and compassion throughout the Virgin Islands. The announcement was made on Oct. 6, 2025, following a unanimous decision by a panel of regional judges.
Mrs. Smith, a longtime member of the Road Town Adventist Church, was honoured for her years of preparing and delivering meals to families in need, as well as her personal outreach to the sick and elderly. Her well-known coconut bread, often shared freely across the community, has become a symbol of kindness and generosity among residents.
The nomination came from Raymond “Chi Chi” Fonseca, who cited Mrs. Smith’s care for his late brother during dialysis treatments as the inspiration. “Her kindness to him was the main reason I did it,” Fonseca said. “There are so many others in this Territory that testify to what a blessing Mini has and continues to be.”
Mrs. Smith received her award at a ceremony held at Harrison’s Cave in Barbados on Oct. 18, attended by her four daughters, regional dignitaries, and fellow honourees Venetta Zakers of St. Kitts and Nevis and Joshuanette Francis of Antigua and Barbuda. The evening celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through service and compassion.
Olivia Burnett, Trustee of the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation and Associate Senior Counsel with CIBC Caribbean, commended the honourees for their work. “Kindness is contagious,” she said. “As they show love and compassion to the vulnerable, it spreads—rippling across their communities and inspiring others to serve.”
The CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Programme, relaunched this year after more than a decade, aims to spotlight individuals quietly transforming their communities through acts of courage and care. Mrs. Smith’s recognition marks a proud moment for the Virgin Islands, underscoring the Territory’s tradition of selflessness and community spirit.
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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