Local News

VIFAF Hosts Inaugural Outdoor Field Archery Championships at Paraquita Bay

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Editor

The Virgin Islands Field Archery Federation (VIFAF) has successfully staged its first Outdoor Field Championships, marking a significant step forward in the development of the sport locally. The three-day competition, held at Paraquita Bay from April 10–12, 2026, brought together a mix of local and international archers for a demanding test of skill and endurance.

The event featured three distinct formats, beginning with the Field Round on April 10, followed by the Hunter Round on April 11, and concluding with the Animal Round on April 12. Each discipline presented unique challenges, requiring competitors to adjust to varying distances, terrain, and target styles—core elements of field archery.

Participation from overseas athletes added prestige and competitive depth to the championships. Among the visiting archers were Sherwin Francis, President of the Field Archery Association of Trinidad and Tobago, and experienced United States archer Julie Robinson.

The championships represent VIFAF’s third major event since its establishment, following the David Abednego Cup Indoor Championship in October 2025 and the 2026 VI NASP Nationals in March. The successful execution of these events underscores the federation’s growing capacity and commitment to expanding archery within the Virgin Islands.

Strong Performances Across Divisions

In the Adult Male Freestyle Unlimited category, Sherwin Francis delivered a commanding performance, finishing first with a score of 1505 while maintaining his A classification. Local competitors Kerry Ottley (1358) and Xavier Buxo (901) placed second and third respectively.

Ritseeniyah Georges-Buxo led the Adult Female Freestyle Unlimited division, posting a total of 1320 and retaining her B classification.

Julie Robinson competed in the Veteran Female Longbow category, recording a score of 677. Her participation offered local spectators a rare opportunity to see longbow archery at a high level. Despite describing the course as “brutal,” Robinson improved her Animal Round performance significantly, surpassing her previous record by 64 points and expressing appreciation for the experience of competing in the Virgin Islands.

In the junior ranks, national archer Ava Ghiorse stood out in the Junior Female Freestyle Recurve category with a total score of 783, earning her first classification at the C level. Fellow newcomer Kerry Ottley also achieved his initial B classification, signaling continued growth among local athletes.

Building Momentum for the Future

VIFAF President Reuben Stoby praised the successful staging of the event while acknowledging the logistical challenges involved.

“I am happy that we were able to complete our first outdoor championships. We did have some difficulties finding a suitable location. We wish to thank the Department of Agriculture and the management of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College for allowing us to use their lands at Paraquita Bay. We look forward to hosting more of these with greater participation from local archers,” he said.

Stoby also noted that hosting the championships was a critical step toward securing full membership with the International Field Archery Association (IFAA).

With its first outdoor championships now complete, VIFAF is expected to expand its competition calendar and continue fostering opportunities for archers throughout the territory. The success of the Paraquita Bay event suggests that field archery in the Virgin Islands is gaining momentum.

The federation also extended thanks to sponsors Walkers and Mr. Rentals for their support of the championships.

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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.