Local News
Anegada Port Project Paused Ahead of October 30 Community Meeting
Plans to upgrade Anegada’s main port have been temporarily halted to allow residents the opportunity to provide input, with the first community meeting scheduled for October 30.
Former Chairman of the Anegada Land Development Advisory Committee Darrel Ruan confirmed the decision following discussions with BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) Managing Director Akeem Pickering on October 24. Both parties agreed to pause the project while issues raised by residents are addressed.
Ruan explained that while recent media coverage had focused on the BVIPA’s announcement of the upgrades, key contextual matters had been overlooked—including the fact that the Authority does not yet hold title to the property it plans to develop, and that several local landowners remain without access to water and electricity due to unresolved land title disputes.
Just two days earlier, reports had highlighted that construction was already underway at the port. Works included the installation of a 40-foot container office to accommodate Her Majesty’s Customs, Immigration, ferry agents, and BVIPA staff. Other improvements—such as perimeter fencing, covered waiting areas, upgraded restrooms, and new main and secondary gates—were intended to bring the facility up to international standards.
Residents had broadly welcomed the upgrades, noting that the previous lack of shelter and outdated facilities often left passengers exposed to sun and rain, particularly during the annual Anegada Lobster Festival.
In 2023, BVIPA Managing Director Pickering had pledged to improve the terminal, describing port management as “decent” and assuring the public that further enhancements would be completed by 2024—a move that was welcomed by residents frustrated by years of inadequate facilities.
It is also notable that in July 2024, Anegada residents re-elected Ruan, along with five former members and two new members, to represent them on the Anegada Land Development Advisory Committee. The group has been awaiting formal reappointment by the Government for over 15 months to the newly constituted Anegada Lands Standing Committee, as required under the Crown Land Management Act.
In a statement, Ruan stressed, “Why should we accept the bare minimum handed to us without the opportunity to input? Right is right and wrong is wrong.”
Thursday’s meeting will bring together Anegada residents and BVIPA officials to discuss next steps for the project.
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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