Uncategorized
King Charles III Diagnosed with Cancer, Buckingham Palace Announces
King Charles III, aged 75, has been diagnosed with cancer, as announced by Buckingham Palace on Monday.
“In the course of His Majesty’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate concern was identified,” the palace stated in an emailed announcement. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have revealed a form of cancer.”
The statement did not specify the stage of the cancer discovered. However, Buckingham Palace clarified separately that Charles does not have prostate cancer.
The news follows a recent medical development involving both Kate and King Charles. Last week, they were discharged from a private London clinic after undergoing medical procedures. The king underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, while Kate, aged 42, had unspecified abdominal surgery on January 17.
“His Majesty has now commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties,” the statement added.
The palace emphasised that Charles decided to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and to assist public understanding, particularly for those affected by cancer worldwide.
Charles expressed gratitude for the swift intervention of his medical team and their expert care, according to Buckingham Palace.
Further details regarding his treatment or prognosis are not being disclosed, although the king returned to London on Monday to initiate outpatient treatment.
Charles ascended the throne last May following a coronation ceremony held months after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch with 70 years on the throne, passed away at the age of 96.
While Kate is still in recovery, her husband, Prince William, is expected to resume his royal duties by attending the London’s Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner on Wednesday.
Kensington Palace previously indicated that the Princess of Wales is unlikely to resume her royal duties before Easter, on March 31. No specific date has been set for the king’s return to duties.
Acknowledging that many of the king’s planned engagements will need to be postponed or canceled, Buckingham Palace expressed advance apologies to anyone inconvenienced. Queen Camilla, Charles’ wife, will continue with her full public duties during his treatment period.
Uncategorized
Ministry of Education Addresses Allegations of Student-Teacher Incident at Elmore Stoutt High School
The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a statement regarding serious allegations involving a male teacher and a male student at Elmore Stoutt High School.
Last week the male student physically attacking the teacher’s vehicle retaliating to the teachers presence at the school despite allegations of inappropriate conduct prior the the close of the 2023 – 2024 school year.
The Ministry is working with authorities, including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Social Development Department, and Teaching Service Commission, to ensure a thorough investigation.
Immediate steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the school community while maintaining a supportive learning environment. The Ministry is dedicated to handling this matter with fairness, ensuring justice and safety for all involved, and asks for patience as legal and ethical protocols are followed.
Uncategorized
Ron Potter Refuses to Resign Despite Request from Health Minister
Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Ron Potter, has refused to resign from his position, despite being directly asked to do so by the Minister of Health and Social Development.
The request, made via WhatsApp, came in the wake of several tragic incidents affecting the healthcare sector in the British Virgin Islands.
Potter made his position clear in a formal statement, rejecting the call to step down. He emphasised that his removal would require legal grounds under the BVI Health Services Authority Act of 2004, which governs the appointment and dismissal of board members. According to Potter, no such grounds exist. “It is not my intention to resign as Chairman, as there are no grounds or reasons for me to do so,” Potter declared, adding that the Act requires due process to be followed.
He further pointed out that the BVIHSA operates independently of central government, and that decisions regarding his removal must be legally justified. The Chairman also addressed media reports suggesting a strained relationship between himself and the Health Minister, noting that he was unaware of any tensions before reading the reports. “If this reporting is true, I was certainly unaware of a strained relationship prior to the articles,” Potter said, distancing himself from claims of discord within the healthcare administration. He also dismissed allegations that he was single-handedly blocking the development of a proposed medical school, calling them “unfounded and without merit.”
Potter’s statement highlighted his dedication to the healthcare system in the Territory. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the lack of a fully staffed BVIHSA board, which has prevented the board from holding critical meetings since July 2024. Despite these setbacks, Potter remains committed to his role, championing several key initiatives, including the completion of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Center, improvements to hospital and clinic infrastructure, and the establishment of medical and nursing schools.
Potter reaffirmed his commitment to the people of the British Virgin Islands, stressing the importance of a well-functioning healthcare system. “I believe access to a good healthcare system is a fundamental right of the people of this Territory,” he said, urging the community to continue supporting the BVIHSA’s efforts to enhance healthcare services.
It is unclear whether the Minister of Health will pursue further action or attempt to resolve the situation with the Chairman.
Uncategorized
Willock Unveils New Back-to-School Initiative: ‘3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3’
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and District 3 resident Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee, has launched a new twist on their annual Back-to-School event, titled “3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3.”
This year, the event will focus on three schools in the Sea Cows Bay area: Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Anglican School, and Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Over 100 bags filled with books and other essential supplies will be donated directly to these schools, with principals and teachers determining which students need them most over the 2024-2025 school year.
Explaining the new approach, Willock said, “We noticed that many existing back-to-school events had restrictions, like requiring students to come from a particular district or pre-register. Our approach is simpler: we want to help students who genuinely need it, and who better to identify those students than the teachers and principals who interact with them daily?”
The only requirement for receiving supplies is that the students must be enrolled in one of the three selected schools. Donations are set to be made next week, all within a single day, in what Willock has dubbed the “3 Hours, 3 Schools in District 3” initiative.
Willock also highlighted plans for a separate, special initiative for the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, which is temporarily housed in the Sea Cows Bay area.
He expressed gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, his Third District Committee, and Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Search Underway After Vessel Capsizes Off Jost Van Dyke, One Dead, One Missing
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Oil Spill Forces Temporary Road Closure in Fish Bay
-
Local News1 week ago
Thirty-Six Naturalized as British Citizens in Ceremony at Government House
-
Education2 weeks ago
Eighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
-
Elections 20232 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
-
Local News2 weeks ago
British Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
-
Local News1 week ago
Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
-
Education3 days ago
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma