The two-day conference, which began on Tuesday, April 14, brings together Madam Chair, attorneys general and delegates from across the Overseas Territories to examine issues including human rights, transnational crime, illicit finance and sanctions, disaster preparedness and recovery, maritime boundaries, sustainable development and the use of technology in crime and justice systems.

“These are not theoretical concerns,” Premier Wheatley said. “They are real, urgent matters that affect the stability, security, and prosperity of each of our jurisdictions.”

The premier said the conference’s theme, “Stronger Together: Common Challenges, Collaborative Solutions,” reflects the need for coordinated responses to issues that extend across jurisdictions while recognizing differences in legal and constitutional systems.

“While our challenges may be similar and our objectives aligned, our contexts are not identical,” he said. “One-size-fits-all responses rarely succeed. What does succeed is the willingness to learn from one another.”

He said the exchange of experience and expertise among territories can improve legal systems and strengthen collective resilience.

“When we collaborate, we elevate the quality of our legal systems. When we share best practices, we strengthen our collective resilience,” Premier Wheatley said.

The conference will focus on strengthening cooperation and developing practical approaches to common legal and governance issues across participating territories.

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The resolution, introduced by Ghana with support from CARICOM nations, calls for reparatory justice measures, including formal apologies, the return of cultural artifacts and further discussion on compensation for the descendants of enslaved Africans. Caribbean governments have long advocated for international recognition of the enduring social and economic consequences of slavery, framing the issue as central to regional development.

Several European countries, including the United Kingdom, along with members of the European Union, abstained during the vote, citing concerns about potential legal implications and language that could be interpreted as assigning hierarchy among historical atrocities.

While the resolution is nonbinding, Caribbean leaders and regional organizations have described the outcome as a significant step in advancing global acknowledgment of slavery’s impact and strengthening ongoing calls for reparatory justice. CARICOM has been at the forefront of these efforts through its Reparations Commission, which has outlined a framework seeking redress from former colonial powers.

The United States, which opposed the resolution, raised concerns about applying contemporary legal standards to historical actions and cautioned against measures that could create divisions in the interpretation of crimes against humanity.

The vote coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, underscoring longstanding advocacy by Caribbean and African nations to place the legacy of slavery at the center of international discourse on justice and development.

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The United States has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is under indictment on federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, formally asserting that the Venezuelan leader faces criminal prosecution in U.S. courts.

The announcement, made amid sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, confirms that Maduro is accused of conspiring to flood the United States with cocaine in coordination with armed groups and corrupt officials. U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro played a central role in a criminal enterprise that used Venezuela as a key transit hub for narcotics destined for American cities.

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The notice affects U.S.-registered aircraft and U.S.-based carriers operating within the Caribbean region. As a result, flights to and from the Virgin Islands may be subject to delays, diversions, rescheduling, or cancellations, depending on individual airline routing and operational decisions.

The Authority emphasized that these restrictions are outside its control and are being managed directly by the affected airlines in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Passengers are strongly advised to:

• Contact their airline directly for the most current and accurate information regarding flight status; and

• Confirm flight details before traveling to the airport, as schedules may change with limited notice.

The BVI Airports Authority said it remains in close communication with airline partners and relevant aviation stakeholders and will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

The Authority thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation, noting that safety remains the top priority.

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In a statement posted in the early hours of Saturday, Jan. 3, Mr. Trump said American forces had carried out what he described as a decisive operation in and around Caracas, asserting that Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores were taken into custody and flown out of the country. Mr. Trump did not specify which U.S. agencies were involved or where Mr. Maduro was being held.

There was no immediate confirmation from the White House, the Pentagon, or the State Department. As of early Saturday, U.S. officials declined to comment, and no formal announcement had been issued by the Biden administration or military leadership.

Reports of explosions in Caracas circulated on social media shortly before 2 a.m. local time. Journalists from CNN reported hearing multiple blasts and observing power outages in parts of the capital, though the cause and scope of the incidents remained unclear.

Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, said in a televised address that the government had not been able to confirm the whereabouts of Mr. Maduro or Ms. Flores. She accused the United States of what she called a “criminal military aggression” and said Venezuela had placed its armed forces on high alert. Her claims could not be independently verified.

In Washington, Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, said he had been briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him that Mr. Maduro had been detained under longstanding U.S. criminal indictments. Senator Lee said the operation was intended to enforce an arrest warrant and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel involved.

Mr. Maduro has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice since 2020 on charges including narcotrafficking, narco-terrorism, and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. U.S. prosecutors have accused him of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns, allegations Mr. Maduro has repeatedly denied, calling them politically motivated.

For years, the U.S. government has offered millions of dollars in rewards for information leading to Mr. Maduro’s arrest. Until now, the charges had not been enforced through direct military action.

Legal experts said any U.S. military operation on Venezuelan soil would raise immediate constitutional questions, particularly in the absence of congressional authorization. Senator Lee himself has previously expressed concern over presidential war powers and the lack of a formal authorization for the use of military force.

Across Latin America, governments have historically opposed foreign military intervention in the region, and diplomatic reaction was expected to be swift. As of Saturday morning, Venezuelan state media had not acknowledged any detention of Mr. Maduro, and his location remained unknown.

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The cancellations, tied to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, affected hubs such as Miami International, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International, Orlando International, and Tampa International airports. The FAA said it was reducing daily flight volumes by up to 10 percent at about 40 airports nationwide to manage staff shortages among air-traffic controllers.

By midday Friday, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport had reported 18 flight cancellations and 81 delays, while additional disruptions were recorded at other Florida airports, according to the flight-tracking service FlightAware. The FAA said the measures are temporary but will remain in effect until staffing levels stabilize.

The reductions have created a ripple effect for travelers across the Caribbean, where many passengers rely on connections through Florida to reach destinations such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. Airlines have warned that passengers may face rebookings and limited seat availability on remaining flights.

The FAA confirmed that flight-capacity reductions could expand to as much as 40 percent at select airports if the shutdown continues, though it emphasized that safety operations remain fully staffed. The agency has not provided a timeline for when normal service will resume.

Travel industry analysts said that while international routes to the Caribbean remain technically exempt from the cuts, the cancellations in Florida are likely to continue affecting regional tourism and logistics in the coming days.

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Dane Hunter, the first and only Virgin Islands national to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, announced his release today, October 12, after being detained by Israeli authorities following the interception of a Gaza-bound convoy in international waters on October 1–2.

In a message posted on social media about three hours ago, Hunter wrote, “Ya boi’s back, fresh from an Israeli torture prison out in the middle of the desert,” thanking friends, family, and supporters who petitioned for his release. He also urged continued advocacy for “the 11,000 Palestinian hostages (including 400 children)” he said remain detained.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which included climate activist Greta Thunberg and hundreds of others aboard more than 40 vessels, was intercepted by the Israeli navy about 160 nautical miles from Gaza, according to communications sent by Hunter and other participants before contact was lost. In a message to supporters on Oct. 1 at 6:32 p.m., Hunter wrote that a “military ship [was] currently inbound from Ashdod” and that the group expected to be intercepted “either tonight or tomorrow.”

An update posted by activist Ilyssa Forman at about 1 p.m. Oct. 2 said flotilla participants were “currently in custody and undergoing hearings about their detention and deportation orders,” adding that lawyers from the group Adalah had gained access to detainees in Ashdod port.

Israeli officials said the flotilla was stopped in international waters and that passengers were “safe and healthy” while being processed for deportation. They said any humanitarian aid aboard would be redirected through official channels.

The operation drew criticism from human rights groups and international organizations. Amnesty International described the interdictions as “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission.” Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the United Nations, said the interception widened an “unlawful blockade” and called for detainees’ rights to be respected.

No other Virgin Islands nationals have been publicly confirmed among the detained participants.

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In a message sent Wednesday, Oct. 1, at about 6:32 p.m., and shared with supporters, Hunter wrote: “We’re expecting to be intercepted either tn or tomorrow. Military ship currently inbound from Ashdod. We’re approximately 160 nm from Gaza.”

An update posted around 1 p.m. Oct. 2 by Ilyssa Forman, who has been sharing information on Hunter’s status, said flotilla participants were “currently in custody and undergoing hearings about their detention and deportation orders,” and that “Adalah lawyers have since been allowed into Ashdod port and are beginning to conduct legal consultations.”

Reuters and other outlets reported that the convoy comprised more than 40 boats carrying hundreds of participants and was stopped in international waters; Israel said aid would be routed through official channels and that all passengers were “safe and healthy” while being processed for deportation.

Amnesty International called the interdictions “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission,” while the U.N. human rights office said Israel’s interception in international waters widens an “unlawful blockade” and urged respect for detainees’ rights and unhindered humanitarian relief.

No other BVI nationals had been publicly confirmed on board.

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Ms. Flax reported that the BVI Hong Kong Office was in direct contact with all BVI students in the affected areas throughout the storm. The Office’s emergency protocol was fully activated and coordinated in conjunction with guidance from local authorities and the respective universities. All individuals followed safety measures closely and remained in regular communication.

Regular updates were also provided to the Premier’s Office in the Virgin Islands throughout the duration of the storm.

Now that the storm has passed, the BVI Hong Kong Office has resumed normal operations.

“We are grateful to report that all our students and staff have fared well and remain safe,” she said. “We also extend heartfelt thanks to all those in the Virgin Islands who reached out to share their prayers, messages, and concerns. It is truly comforting to know we are being thought of and supported from home, even this far away.”

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Hodge is scheduled to meet with government officials and representatives of the financial and legal sectors on Sept. 23 and 24. She will submit her findings to Stephen Doughty, the U.K. minister of state for the Overseas Territories, who will decide on next steps in Britain’s oversight.

“The UK is committed to transparency and the international fight against illicit finance,” Hodge said ahead of the meetings. “Public beneficial ownership registers are an essential tool that help us all follow the money so that we can expose corruption and money laundering.”

The Virgin Islands joined other U.K. Overseas Territories in November 2024 in pledging to establish registers with “legitimate interest access” by June 2025. While the commitment has been made, concerns remain about the pace of progress toward meeting the U.K.’s minimum requirements.

During her visit, Hodge will evaluate both the progress achieved and the challenges faced in creating transparent registers. She will then make recommendations to Doughty, who oversees U.K. engagement with the Virgin Islands on governance and financial transparency.

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