Local News
CONCACAF Appoints Linda “Champagne” Magloire as First British Virgin Islands Woman Match Commissioner
In a groundbreaking move, CONCACAF has appointed Linda “Champagne” Magloire as the first British Virgin Islands woman to serve as a Match Commissioner in one of its regional games.
Magloire, who has been actively involved in BVI Football for the past 23 years, will take on the role of Match Commissioner for the highly anticipated 2023 Road to CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup match between Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. The game is scheduled to take place at the Antigua Football Association Technical Center on October 29.
Magloire’s extensive experience in the sport has prepared her for this historic appointment. She began her journey in football as a player with the Panthers in the early 2000s, where she not only showcased her skills as the team’s captain but also demonstrated her financial acumen by serving as the club’s treasurer. Her dedication and passion for the game did not go unnoticed, as she was selected to represent the Women’s National Team in the 2006 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifier in St. Lucia and the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifier against Cuba in the Dominican Republic.
Throughout her tenure, Magloire has held various administrative positions within the BVI Football Association. She has served as the Club Development Officer, Club Licensing Manager, and Chairperson of the Competitions Committee. In 2022, she took on the role of Team Manager for the Women’s National Team, further showcasing her commitment to advancing women’s football in the British Virgin Islands.
Currently, Magloire also serves as a Match Commissioner in the BVIFA Sr. Men’s 2023-24 domestic league, further cementing her expertise in overseeing matches and ensuring fair play.
The entire football community in the British Virgin Islands congratulates Linda “Champagne” Magloire on this remarkable achievement. Her dedication, expertise, and trailblazing spirit have undoubtedly paved the way for future generations of women in football, both in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
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
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