Local News

Adaejah Hodge Surpasses Jamaica’s Shanoya Douglas With World-Leading Run

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2026

Editor

Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands and the University of Georgia recorded a world-leading time of 22.10 seconds in the women’s 200 metres, surpassing Jamaica’s Shanoya Douglas and setting multiple records in the process, according to meet results released this week.

Hodge’s performance, aided by a legal wind reading of +1.9 metres per second, established the fastest time in the world so far in the 2026 outdoor season. The mark also set a new British Virgin Islands national record and a University of Georgia school record, while placing her No. 11 on the all-time collegiate outdoor performance list.

The result moved Hodge ahead of Douglas, who had previously led the world rankings following her 22.11-second run, a Jamaican Under-20 national record, and her 10.98-second performance in the 100 metres earlier this season.

Hodge, an Olympian representing the Virgin Islands, has continued to build on her international profile during the 2026 collegiate season. Competing for the University of Georgia, she has been a consistent performer in sprint events, contributing to relay teams and posting leading times in both the 100 and 200 metres.

Her latest performance marks a continuation of steady progress since her transition into the NCAA system, where she has competed against some of the region’s top sprint talent, including athletes from Jamaica and the United States.

The women’s sprint events have drawn increased attention this season, with several Caribbean athletes posting competitive times across collegiate and international meets. The close margin between Hodge and Douglas underscores what analysts expect to be a competitive year leading into major championships.

Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

16 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

17 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

17 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.