Local News
Governor’s Office Launches Youth Empowerment Projects Fund
The Governor’s Office in the British Virgin Islands has recently announced the establishment of a fund totaling $30,000 to support youth empowerment projects across the territory. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to registered or established BVI Non-Profit Organizations that are committed to delivering activities and projects focused on empowering young individuals and supporting the economic development of the BVI.
Organizations or partnerships between organizations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to implement projects that will enable local youths to have positive experiences and develop new skills. These projects should also inspire them to explore job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, environment, agriculture, sports, and other fields relevant to the sustainable development, economic growth, and overall well-being of the BVIs.
The target age group for these activities is 13 to 21-year-olds, ensuring that the projects align with the BVI Sustainable Development Plan’s goal of empowering islanders for a sustainable future in an inclusive and vibrant society, where individuals lead fulfilling lives.
Project partners can be included in multiple applications, but each project lead should submit only one application.
The timeline for the application process is as follows:
– Applications must be received by October 23, 2023.
– Projects must be completed by March 1, 2024.
To apply for the fund, interested organizations should follow these steps:
Step 1: Email Govoffice.Tortola@fcdo.gov.uk to request an application pack.
Step 2: Complete the application form and submit it electronically by October 23, 2023.
Step 3: Application documents will be reviewed by November 17, 2023.
Step 4: Successful applicants will be notified by December 1, 2023.
For further information or any inquiries, organizations are encouraged to contact Govoffice.Tortola@fcdo.gov.uk.
The Youth Empowerment Projects Fund presents a valuable opportunity for organizations in the BVI to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals while contributing to the sustainable development and economic growth of the territory.
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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