Local News
Public Works Department Successfully Commissions Fully Operational Asphalt Plant
Director at the Public Works Department, Mr. Jeremy Hodge, revealed that the department’s long-awaited Asphalt Plant has been officially commissioned.
The plant, which was successfully handed over to the department by renowned machine industry company Ammann, is now fully operational.
According to Mr. Hodge, the commissioning of the plant marks a significant milestone in meeting the Territory’s asphalt road needs. He emphasized that this development would greatly enhance the department’s ability to address road maintenance challenges and optimize the utilization of limited resources.
“With the commissioning of the asphalt plant, we can now stretch our limited resources designated to road maintenance, resulting in a positive impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our road infrastructure,” Mr. Hodge stated.
The Director also highlighted that the commissioning of the plant is a major achievement for the Government and people of the Virgin Islands. With this new infrastructure in place, the Territory is better equipped to construct a road network that instills a sense of pride among residents.
“Our commitment to addressing all the roads in the Territory in a holistic manner remains unwavering. Rest assured, we will continue to prioritize the improvement of the road infrastructure in the foreseeable future,” Mr. Hodge assured.
The Department of Public Works, known for its dedication to delivering safe, practical, efficient, and environmentally sound infrastructure, aims to adhere to recognized regional and international codes and standards. Their ultimate goal is to create a harmonious infrastructure that aligns with the social, economic, and overall developmental goals of the Territory.
With the commissioning of the Asphalt Plant, the Public Works Department has taken a significant stride towards achieving these objectives and ensuring a well-maintained and robust road network for the Virgin Islands.
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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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