Local News
Kyron McMaster Honoured with OBE for Exceptional Contributions to Sports
Kyron McMaster has been bestowed with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Majesty The King, recognising his remarkable contributions to sports in the British Virgin Islands.
At the tender age of 21, McMaster clinched the British Virgin Islands’ inaugural Commonwealth Games medal, securing the gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. This triumphant moment unfolded in the aftermath of the devastating 2017 hurricane, which not only wreaked havoc on homes and livelihoods but also claimed the life of McMaster’s coach and mentor, Coach Xavier “Dag” Samuels.
Undeterred by the challenges posed by the hurricane, McMaster has gone on to achieve significant milestones in his athletic career. He has claimed victory in the Diamond League on two occasions, secured another gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and earned a silver at the 2023 World Track and Field Championships in Budapest—marking the first-ever medal for the British Virgin Islands at this prestigious championship event. Notably, McMaster also made history as a finalist, securing fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games despite the adversities imposed by COVID-19 restrictions. During this event, he clocked a National Record time of 47.08.
Beyond his athletic prowess, McMaster dedicates his time to giving back to the community. During visits to his homeland, he actively supports and inspires young individuals, drawing on his own experiences growing up in Tortola to impart valuable life lessons. Additionally, McMaster champions grassroots sports, collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports to ensure that these initiatives receive the necessary investment.
In response to the prestigious honour, McMaster expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is truly an honor to receive this award. This was not anticipated or expected, but I am filled with gratitude to the people of the BVI who have recommended and continue to support me on this journey of my life. To represent the BVI has always been my dream, and this award illustrates the gratitude of my country and the wider UK family that, as an individual, no matter how small the territory, we can make a significant contribution and be recognized for such. To my fellow athletes, I can assure you that my reach is but a small step compared to where you can go, and now that this door is open, I implore you all to continue to promote the BVI in a positive light but also to recognize that the sky is truly the limit with real commitment and dedication.”
His Excellency Governor John Rankin CMG expressed his delight at McMaster’s well-deserved recognition, stating, “I am delighted that this award has been made in recognition of Kyron’s outstanding achievements and unparalleled service to the Virgin Islands. With his two Commonwealth Gold Medals and World Champion Silver medal, Kyron has placed BVI on the sporting map across the world and given cause for national celebration even in some of the most challenging times in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane. Off the track, Kyron continues to inspire, using his own experience to motivate young students and athletes. I offer my warmest congratulations to Kyron.”
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.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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