Local News
Virgin Islands to Host Week-Long Celebration Honouring Dame Janice Pereira’s Retirement and Privy Council Appointment
The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced a week-long national celebration in honour of The Right Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, marking her retirement as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and her recent appointment to His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council.
The celebration, themed “Celebrating Our Radiant Daughter: A Journey from the Virgin Islands to the Privy Council,” will run from 21 to 27 October, featuring 14 public and private events that recognise Dame Janice’s extraordinary legal career and her contributions to the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, highlighted the significance of Dame Janice’s achievements. “The Right Honourable Dame Janice Pereira has had a remarkable career of service to the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, which is evident through her recent appointment to His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council,” Premier Wheatley stated. “She has set an incredible example for all Virgin Islanders, showing us that with hard work, the sky is not the limit—our only limit is ourselves.”
Dame Janice Pereira’s career began in 1981 when she became one of the first women called to the bar in the Virgin Islands. Her impressive trajectory included appointments as a High Court Judge, a seat on the Court of Appeal, and finally, her historic appointment as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in 2012. After 12 years of transformative leadership, she retired from the bench in May 2024.
The celebration in her honour will kick off with a Primetime Special, chronicling Dame Janice’s life and achievements, followed by a week filled with activities such as general knowledge quizzes on ZBVI Radio, school visits, courtesy calls, and a youth-focused brunch. Notably, the public is invited to attend a Special Lecture by Dame Janice Pereira at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a Special Sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, and a Celebratory Church Service at the Church of God (Holiness) in North Sound, Virgin Gorda.
The Government of the Virgin Islands extends an open invitation to all residents to participate in the festivities as they celebrate the historic accomplishments of one of the Territory’s most distinguished daughters, Dame Janice M. Pereira.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
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