Local News

VISAR’s Winter Wonderland Brings Festive Fun to Nanny Cay

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2023

Editor

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is back with its much-anticipated annual fundraiser, “VISAR’s Winter Wonderland and Holiday Village officially kicking off the holiday season in the Virgin Islands. on Friday, November 24, at 5 PM at Nanny Cay.

This marks the 4th edition of the event and this time, they’ve chosen the Nanny Cay as the backdrop for this holiday extravaganza.

The ice skating extravaganza which promises to be bigger and better than ever will continue until Saturday, December 30th, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the festivities throughout the season.

A Winter Wonderland in the Caribbean

While the main attraction remains the ice skating rink, there’s much more to see and do at VISAR’s Winter Wonderland. Every Friday and Saturday night, Nanny Cay will transform into a Holiday Village, featuring a delightful array of food and ice cream vendors to satisfy your cravings. Throughout the five weeks, a full roster of special events will keep the entertainment going strong. A detailed list of these events can be found in the attached press release.

The ice skating rink will be open during various hours to accommodate all schedules and preferences. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will be open from 5 PM to 10 PM, and on Sundays, it will operate from 5 PM to 9 PM. Additionally, from December 18 to December 28, the rink will be open from 5 PM to 9 PM. Please note that there are a few dates when the rink will be closed, as listed in the press release.

Skating for a Cause

While you enjoy the winter wonderland in the Caribbean, there’s also an opportunity to contribute to a good cause. The cost to skate is $10 per person for a 30-minute session, and the money raised goes directly to supporting VISAR’s essential operations, ensuring they are available 24/7/365 to provide the best possible response to maritime distress situations.

In an effort to make skating safe and enjoyable for everyone, VISAR has amended its policy for skaters aged 7 and younger. Children under 7 can skate along with a paying adult from 5 PM to 8 PM. After 8 PM, children under 7 can be on the ice at the discretion of the Rink Manager and Staff. For adults uncomfortable on the ice, there is an alternative: a $10 donation will get them a staff member to accompany their child on the rink during the 30-minute session.

Supporting the Community

VISAR’s Winter Wonderland isn’t just about having fun and raising funds; it’s also about giving back to the community that supports them. High school students can earn community service hours at the rink, and the event provides seasonal employment opportunities for 10-12 young adults. It’s noteworthy that five volunteers from the previous season have been hired to join the staff this year, highlighting the positive impact this event has on the community.

A Special Partnership with Nanny Cay

Nanny Cay Resort and Marina is an integral partner in this endeavor. Jane Tyrell, Nanny Cay Resort Manager, emphasized their commitment to providing a safe, family-oriented, and enjoyable holiday experience for all visitors. Nanny Cay’s picturesque setting, complete with a stunning marina and a variety of dining options, enhances the festive spirit of Winter Wonderland. It allows guests to enjoy more than just ice skating; they can create lasting memories in a safe, family-friendly environment.

With VISAR’s Winter Wonderland, you can experience the perfect blend of a tropical paradise and wintery fun in the heart of the Caribbean. So, mark your calendars, lace up your skates, and join the holiday fun at Nanny Cay while supporting a worthy cause. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. For more information, check VISAR’s Facebook and website or contact Julie Schneider at Purpose Driven Consultants. Let’s make this holiday season truly magical in the Virgin Islands.

https://www.facebook.com/jtv55/videos/832126835376971

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Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

20 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

21 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

21 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.