Local News

Skelton-Cline Seeks Clear Deadlines for Airport Bids and Investor Protections

Published

7 months ago

October 8, 2025

Editor

A recent weather diversion of an American Airlines flight shows why Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport needs expansion, Claude Skelton Cline said on the Oct. 7 edition of “Honestly Speaking.” He called it “a national security issue, not just a tourism challenge,” and urged the government to quickly issue an expression of interest and a request for proposals, explain any delays, and set a clear timeline.

Cline said the diversion underscored reliance on a single short runway with limited all-weather capacity, adding that predictable airlift is critical for medical emergencies, disaster response and the tourism economy. “You gotta build this airport,” he said, calling for clear milestones from EOI to contract award.

He tied air access to stalled room supply, pressing for the long-delayed Prospect Reef redevelopment to proceed in parallel. “Prospect Reef has been delayed for too long,” he said, adding that airlines and investors will expect additional “beds” if airlift increases.

While supporting new capital, Cline warned that foreign direct investment must avoid what he called “economic colonization.” He urged contracts that secure reasonable investor returns without crowding out local businesses, including transparent concessions, performance benchmarks, and targets for local jobs, training and suppliers.

Cline said public, regular updates on procurement and financing for both projects would help manage expectations and maintain confidence among residents and investors.

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Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

20 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

21 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

21 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.