Local News
Tropical Storm Andrea Forms in Atlantic; No Threat to BVI, Say Officials
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) confirmed Tuesday that Tropical Storm Andrea, the first named system of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, does not pose a direct threat to the Virgin Islands. The storm, located approximately 1,580 miles north-northeast of the Territory, is moving east-northeast at 17 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Although Andrea remains far out in the open Atlantic and is expected to dissipate within the next 24 hours, its formation signals the beginning of active tropical development in the region.
“This is a timely reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is underway,” the DDM noted in its latest advisory. “Residents and visitors should use this opportunity to review and refresh their preparedness plans.”
While no watches or warnings are in effect for the Territory, officials encouraged the public to remain alert and take precautionary steps. Recommended actions include securing important documents in waterproof containers or backing them up digitally, staying informed through official channels such as the DDM App and WhatsApp alerts, and monitoring real-time conditions via the WeatherStem station at bvi.weatherstem.com/tortola.
The DDM reiterated that although it is not a meteorological authority, its weather information is sourced from contracted professionals and regional partners. The department emphasized that its advisories are for general guidance and should not be used for legal or financial decision-making.
Tropical Storm Andrea formed over unusually warm waters in the northern Atlantic between Bermuda and the Azores, well north and east of typical early-season development zones. According to the National Hurricane Center, Andrea is expected to be short-lived.
The 2025 hurricane season is forecast to be above average, with up to 10 hurricanes predicted, including as many as five major storms. Upper atmospheric wind conditions and Saharan dust have so far contributed to a slow start, but forecasters caution that conditions are likely to become more favorable for storm formation as the season progresses.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring updates from the DDM and the National Hurricane Center.
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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Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
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