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UN Resolution Sparks Global Debate on British Virgin Islands’ Self-Determination
The United Nations General Assembly has thrust the question of the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) self-determination into the international spotlight, igniting conversations on the global stage about the territory’s political destiny.
The assembly’s deliberations centered on a meticulously examined report from the Special Committee on the Situation, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the BVI’s decolonization process.
The resolution, adopted amidst growing concerns over the enduring presence of Non-Self-Governing Territories, highlights the UN’s commitment to eradicating colonialism by 2030.
Expressing unease over the prolonged existence of 17 such territories, including the British Virgin Islands, the assembly emphasized the need for flexible, practical, and innovative approaches tailored to the unique characteristics and aspirations of the BVI.
“Recognizing that all available options for self-determination of the Territory are valid as long as they are in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the people of the British Virgin Islands,” the resolution underscores the importance of respecting the territory’s Constitution and mutual agreements regarding the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.
The people’s voice emerges as a central theme in this dialogue, with the resolution reaffirming “the inalienable right of the people of the British Virgin Islands to self-determination.” In an exclusive quote for The New York Times, the BVI’s Premier expresses the sentiment of his people, saying, “Our journey towards self-determination is a crucial chapter in our history. The UN resolution is a testament to the global community recognizing our right to shape our own future.”
The resolution not only urges the United Kingdom, as the administering power, to engage in transparent dialogue but also calls for international cooperation, involving specialized agencies and regional organizations, to assist the BVI in its recovery, rebuilding efforts, and enhancing capabilities for emergency preparedness.
However, the path to self-determination is fraught with challenges, including concerns over the use of the BVI as an international financial center and the potential exploitation of natural resources. A BVI government spokesperson remarks, “We seek a future that aligns with the best interests of our people. The resolution signals a critical juncture, and we must navigate these challenges with careful consideration and international cooperation.”
The story unfolds against the backdrop of regional seminars and the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated the BVI in 2017.
As the international community grapples with the intricacies of the BVI’s political future, the resolution marks a pivotal moment in the territory’s journey towards self-determination, necessitating a delicate balance between global cooperation and the preservation of the BVI’s unique identity.
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Safer, Greener Schools for Virgin Islands Students Under BVI SMART Schools Project
Students across 14 public schools in the Virgin Islands returned to safer and more sustainable learning environments this term, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the BVI SMART Schools Project. This initiative, managed by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and several local organizations, aims to enhance the climate resilience and sustainability of schools throughout the Territory.
The current phase of the project, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme, builds upon previous efforts to safeguard schools by upgrading infrastructure, improving safety standards, and integrating environmentally friendly practices. By adding new partners like Green VI, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and the BVI Red Cross, the project is working to make schools better equipped to handle climate change and disaster risks.
“With this project and the work of our partners, the goal is to ensure that schools can protect students and empower them with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world,” said Michel Ambrose, the SMART Schools Project Manager. “The upgrades are a crucial step toward that goal.”
The 14 schools involved have undergone extensive assessments and improvements to meet stringent international safety standards under DDM’s oversight. These enhancements include structural upgrades, energy and water conservation measures, and the introduction of sustainable practices such as school gardens, recycling programs, and waste reduction. Schools meeting these safety standards are certified as “Safe,” while those incorporating green practices are designated as “SMART.”
Participating schools include Alexandrina Maduro Primary, Bregado Flax Educational Centre (Primary and Secondary), Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Enis Adams Primary, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary, Elmore Stoutt High, Francis Lettsome Primary, Ivan Dawson Primary, Joyce Samuel Primary, Leonora Delville Primary, Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary, and Willard Wheatley Primary.
As the BVI SMART Schools Project continues, the DDM remains committed to ensuring that all public schools are resilient, sustainable, and prepared to meet future challenges. For ongoing updates, visit the Department of Disaster Management’s website and social media channels.
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BVI Athletes to Compete in PanAmerican U23 Squash Championships
Three squash players from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are set to compete in the PanAmerican Under-23 Squash Championships, scheduled to take place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from October 6 to 12. The event will feature individual, doubles, and team competitions, where the young athletes will have the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest squash nations in the region.
Representing Team BVI are Luca Reich, Oliver Henderson, and Daniel Henderson. Luca, 21, is currently studying at Western University in Canada. With experience competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the PanAmerican Senior Championships in Guatemala, Luca brings valuable international exposure to the team. His teammate, Oliver, 18, recently began his degree at Birmingham University in the United Kingdom, where he trains alongside players ranked in the top 100 of the senior world rankings. Daniel, the youngest team member at 16, is still a student at Cedar School. As the reigning Caribbean Under-17 Champion and a quarterfinalist in the U17 PanAmerican Championships, Daniel has already established himself as a promising talent in the sport.
Despite their young ages, the athletes will face strong competition from squash powerhouses such as Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. Their participation in this prestigious event marks an important step in their development as they compete on the PanAmerican stage.
National Coach Adam Murrills emphasised the significance of the competition for these young players. “We’ve seen great progress from this group over the past five years, with their standout performance at the Junior Caribbean Championships, where they earned three gold medals. Competing at the PanAmerican level will be an important challenge for them. Although they are young for this category, this experience will help them bridge the gap with top-tier players over time,” Murrills stated.
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