Local News
Jost Van Dyke resident receives home under recovery programme
Mr. Dalvin “Din-Din” Callwood, a resident of Little Harbour Jost Van Dyke, has become the latest homeowner under the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.
With great excitement, Mr. Callwood received the keys to his new studio unit home and expressed his gratitude to the ministry for making his dream of homeownership a reality.
“I am extremely proud of my new home and I promise to take good care of it. I have never been happier. I would like to thank the minister and everyone involved for assisting me,” Mr. Callwood said.
Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, the Minister for Health and Social Development, commended the Housing Unit in the ministry for their efforts in ensuring that residents of the Virgin Islands, like Mr. Callwood, can afford a home.
“We are six years post-Hurricane Irma, and while some are still in the recovery stage, I am pleased to continue this program with the ministry. We currently have at least four homes under construction, and we will strive to continue this program for our residents who were displaced by the hurricanes. I am glad we can hand over yet another house in 2023,” Honourable Wheatley stated.
Mr. Marquese Maduro, the Project Manager at Project Management and Construction Solutions, provided insights into the quality of the house built for Mr. Callwood, highlighting its unique features compared to other houses constructed under the program.
According to Mr. Maduro, the house is a wooden structure, while the bathroom is made from concrete, serving as a hurricane bunker in case the Territory is impacted by future hurricanes.
“This demonstrates the government’s commitment to building better, more efficient homes and protecting the residents who receive them. Hopefully, in the future, if we face anything like Irma, more of our residents will be safeguarded,” Mr. Maduro explained.
Mr. David Fonseca, a representative of Construction Engineering Systems (B.V.I) Ltd., expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Social Development for giving their company the opportunity to construct a home for Mr. Callwood. Mr. Fonseca emphasized that the house was built in an efficient and resilient manner to withstand natural disasters.
Since the inception of the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, more than 25 homes have been constructed and over 200 have been repaired.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
-
Crime/Police5 days agoTwo Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoShots Fired Near ESHS: Man Injured, High School Goes Into Lockdown
-
Crime/Police1 week agoK’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
-
Local News5 days agoTola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
Local News2 weeks agoVirgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoTortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar
-
Local News1 day agoVirgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
-
Local News1 week agoBVI Returns to OECS Swimming Championships, Secures Silver Medal