Local News
Governor Pruce’s First Week: Visits to Key Offices and Briefings
With a commitment to understanding the various facets of his jurisdiction, Governor Daniel Pruce embarked on a series of visits to key institutions on the second day of his tenure, aiming to familiarise himself with their operations, personnel and challenges.
The day kicked off with a visit to the Auditor General Offices, where Governor Pruce engaged in discussions with Auditor General, Ms. Sonia Webster. Their dialogue centreed on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) audits and common accountability issues highlighted therein. This meeting underscored the Governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
Following this, he proceeded to His Majesty’s Prison, where Superintendent Mr. Jay Kendall and his team provided an insightful tour. The visit encompassed various facilities within the prison, including the medical and catering units, the furniture workshop, and the newly acquired gym equipment funded by the UK. The tour offered Governor Pruce a firsthand look into the operations and conditions within the prison, vital for informed decision-making and policy formulation.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Headquarters. Governor Pruce convened his first briefing with Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins, and was introduced to key staff members, including Deputy Commissioner Jackie Vanterpool and officers from the family and juvenile unit. The discussion focused on law enforcement priorities, community engagement strategies, and collaborative efforts to ensure public safety and security across the Territory.
The day concluded with a training session conducted by the Cabinet Secretary on cabinet procedures. This session provided the Governor with insights into the governance framework and decision-making processes within the executive branch, equipping him with essential knowledge for effective leadership and governance.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
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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