Local News

Helen Seymour Appointed to Public Service Commission

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2023

Editor

Mrs. Helen Seymour has been appointed as a member of the esteemed Public Service Commission (PSC), effective September 14. The appointment was confirmed following Mrs. Seymour taking an Oath of Secrecy before His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, in accordance with Section 91 (1) (d) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

With an extensive background as a public officer, Mrs. Seymour brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She notably served as the Deputy Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor for a number of years before her retirement. Her well-rounded expertise and dedication to public service make her an excellent addition to the PSC.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the Territory, Mrs. Seymour stated, “It is a tremendous honor to have been appointed as a member of the Public Service Commission. Having dedicated myself to public service, I am indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I pledge to contribute positively to the critical role of the PSC in building an efficient, professional, and progressive Public Service.”

Mrs. Seymour joins the existing members of the PSC, including Chairperson Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, CBE, and fellow members Mr. Louis Malone, Ms. Sarai Smith, and herself, Mrs. Helen Seymour. With this diverse and experienced team, the PSC is well-positioned to provide valuable advice on appointments to public offices and exercise disciplinary control over individuals holding or acting in such positions, in consultation with His Excellency the Governor.

The role of the Public Service Commission is crucial in ensuring the efficient functioning and development of the Public Service. By upholding high standards and providing guidance in the selection and management of public officers, the PSC plays a vital role in fostering an effective and professional public sector in the Virgin Islands.

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Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

19 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

20 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

20 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.