Local News
Mrs. Monel Nickie Assumes Role as Acting Sister Islands Coordinator
Monel Nickie has been appointed as the Acting Sister Islands Coordinator, taking on the role after serving as Virgin Gorda’s District Officer. With her experience and knowledge in the administration of the Sister Islands, Mrs. Nickie is well-equipped to lead the Sister Islands Programme Unit, overseeing District Officers and all staff members. Her responsibilities include facilitating and monitoring projects aimed at improving the quality of government services across the Sister Islands.
As the Sister Islands Coordinator, Mrs. Nickie will provide expert advice on programs and projects, supervise District Officers, and ensure the smooth operation of government services. Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. praised Mrs. Nickie, stating that she embodies the qualities of thoroughness, focus, and results-driven approach that will contribute to her success in this new role. He expressed confidence in her ability to deliver excellent results for the residents of the Sister Islands and the government of the Virgin Islands as a whole.
Mrs. Nickie expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Sister Islands in this capacity, emphasizing her commitment to making meaningful contributions that benefit both present and future generations. She acknowledged the honor of working with a dedicated team and looks forward to advancing the Virgin Islands through their collective efforts.
Mrs. Nickie holds an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of the Virgin Islands, and a Master of Public Administration from the same university.
The Sister Islands Programme Unit serves as the government’s service delivery hub for all islands except Tortola. The government remains committed to ensuring that communities across the Sister Islands are well-equipped, prepared, safe, and have full access to government services. With Mrs. Nickie at the helm, the Sister Islands can expect continued improvements and advancements in service delivery.
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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