The meeting took place during the 9th Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held April 13 to April 16 in Santiago.

Both officials noted that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals stands at 19 percent, with four years remaining before the 2030 deadline, underscoring the need for increased coordination and investment across the region.

Mr. Wheatley, speaking in his capacity as vice chair of the 40th session of the commission, commended the organization’s work on development challenges and policies aimed at advancing economic and social outcomes. He emphasized the need to strengthen technical cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in resilience, investment and technology, citing fiscal constraints driven by debt and responses to external shocks.

Mr. Salazar-Xirinachs reaffirmed the commission’s support for the sustainable development of the British Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, noting that small island developing states, while largely middle-income, remain vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks and require continued international support.

He also commended the British Virgin Islands for its role at the forum, including its leadership of a Caribbean panel moderated by Mr. Wheatley in his capacity as vice chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee. The panel focused on implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States through South-South cooperation.

Mr. Wheatley reiterated the territory’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and to advancing regional priorities, including climate resilience.

“Through our various leadership roles within U.N. ECLAC, the British Virgin Islands will continue to advocate for the Caribbean to ensure the subregion’s priorities, including climate resilience, are taken into account in the intergovernmental deliberations of the wider region on the 2030 Agenda,” he said, adding that greater collaboration between the Caribbean and Latin America would be necessary to advance the goals within the remaining timeframe.

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Hon. Penn signed the Instrument of Appointment and the Oath for the Due Execution of Office during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday morning.

The appointment follows a recommendation submitted to the Governor by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly, who, after consultation, identified Hon. Penn as the member commanding majority support within the Opposition, as required under the Constitution.

In a statement issued April 21, the National Democratic Party said the recommendation reflected the confidence of both Opposition members and the party in Hon. Penn’s leadership. “The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.

Hon. Penn was elected Political Leader of the National Democratic Party during the party’s national convention held April 18 at Maria’s by the Sea. The convention brought together 121 delegates from across the territory and resulted in the selection of a new leadership team ahead of the next general election.

During the convention, Hon. Penn secured 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes. Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull was elected deputy chairman with 64 votes, defeating Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes. Paul A. Hewlett was confirmed as president unopposed, and Andrea Walters was elected vice president, defeating Troy Christopher.

Other officers elected included Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as assistant secretary, Eldon Solomon as treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as assistant treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as chairperson of the Women’s Movement.

Following his election as Political Leader, Hon. Penn said the outcome marked a new phase for the party. “I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” he said.

Hon. Turnbull said the leadership team would prioritize unity and policy-focused initiatives. “Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said.

Hon. Penn has represented the Eighth District in the House of Assembly since 2011 and previously served as Minister for Health and Social Development. He also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2019 to 2022 following the general election that year.

Under the Virgin Islands Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.

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The appeal was made during a national address on Thursday, April 16, where the Premier outlined a series of temporary measures aimed at easing the financial burden on households and businesses affected by global fuel price increases and supply chain disruptions.

“We encourage businesses to pass on these savings to consumers,” Wheatley said, emphasizing that government interventions are intended to provide direct relief to residents.

The government’s measures include reductions in import duties, port fees and electricity costs, all designed to lower operational expenses for businesses. Officials said these changes are expected to reduce the cost of importing goods and managing day-to-day operations.

However, Wheatley indicated that the effectiveness of these measures will depend in part on how businesses respond, particularly in pricing goods and services.

“Every effort must be made to cushion consumers from the onslaught of rising prices,” he said.

The Premier’s comments highlight a broader concern about whether reductions in business costs will be reflected at the consumer level. Economists have noted that while government interventions can lower input costs, market prices do not always adjust immediately, depending on business practices and broader economic conditions.

Small island economies like the Virgin Islands are particularly sensitive to price changes due to their dependence on imports and exposure to global market fluctuations. In such environments, collaboration between government and the private sector is often seen as critical to stabilizing prices.

Wheatley said the government has engaged directly with the business community, including a recent meeting to gather feedback and encourage cooperation in implementing the relief measures.

Businesses, he said, have indicated a willingness to work with the government, and some of their recommendations have already been incorporated into the policy response.

The government is also moving to strengthen oversight through proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, which would introduce mechanisms to address price gouging and ensure fair pricing practices.

The measures announced remain subject to Cabinet approval and legislative processes, with implementation expected to begin in May.

Wheatley said continued cooperation from businesses will be necessary to ensure that the intended benefits reach households.

“With prudent action and a sober response, we can weather this storm together,” he said.

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The annual event will feature displays of livestock, crops and fisheries products, alongside competitions and demonstrations designed to highlight the work of producers across the Virgin Islands. Organizers said the exhibition also seeks to encourage greater public interest in farming and fishing while supporting those industries.

Lloyd Williams, food production manager at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, said the relocation of the event to the Festival Grounds is intended to allow for wider participation and increased visibility.

“We want the entire public to come out and support this event,” Williams said. “There is so much to see, from animals to crops, and we are encouraging everyone to attend.”

Miclain Francis, an agriculture officer, said competitive categories will include best bull, best sheep, best goat, and best displays of fruits and green leafy vegetables, among others.

Kia Soares, a fisheries assistant, said the event will also include a range of entertainment and cultural activities across both days, including music, traditional performances and competitions.

Activities are expected to include the annual grease pig competition, as well as expanded strongman contests with new categories for women, couples and juniors. Organizers also plan live demonstrations and presentations as part of the program.

Preparations are underway at the Festival Grounds, where exhibition spaces are being arranged to accommodate participants and vendors.

The event will be held under the theme “Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies,” with officials encouraging residents to attend and support the local agriculture and fisheries industries.

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Mr. Creque was arrested on Feb. 28 and charged with wounding and being armed with an offensive weapon following an altercation reported the same day. He was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 and is scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on April 20.

Mr. Peter was arrested on Feb. 27 and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and being armed with an offensive weapon in connection with a report made on Jan. 11. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear on April 9.

Jeremy Vanterpool and Nathaniel Vanterpool were arrested on Feb. 9 and charged with theft and common assault following an incident reported the same day. Both men were granted bail in the amount of $5,000 and are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on March 26.

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The camp will run daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to participants across the territory. Organizers said the initiative is designed to provide structured training and skill development opportunities for young athletes during the Easter holiday period.

The program will focus on fundamental basketball skills, including ball handling, shooting, and teamwork, while also promoting discipline and physical fitness among participants.

Registration is free, with a deadline of March 30, 2026. Interested parents and guardians can contact Mr. Milton McLean at 542-0555 for additional information and registration details.

The camp forms part of ongoing efforts by local sporting organizations to engage youth in positive activities and strengthen grassroots basketball development in the Virgin Islands.

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InterCaribbean Airways has officially launched new nonstop service between Barbados (BGI) and Virgin Islands’ Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), marking another step in the airline’s expansion across the Caribbean.

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“This is a significant number and it is concerning, especially given that the marine tourism season is just beginning,” Mr. Padmore said. “It highlights the urgent need to reinforce strict situational and navigational awareness when operating in local waters.”

He said the incidents primarily involved bareboat charter catamarans and occurred under varying conditions, but all shared common contributing factors: reduced situational awareness, inadequate passage planning, and over-reliance on electronic navigation systems.

Mr. Padmore said most groundings are preventable and typically result from human error rather than mechanical failure. Common causes include lapses in concentration, misinterpretation of navigation tools, incorrect assessments of shallow areas, and excessive dependence on electronic charts.

“In regions like the Virgin Islands, operators must remain vigilant due to the complex geography, which includes numerous islands, cays, reefs, shoals, and submerged rock formations,” he said. “These elements can change with tides and weather, making attention to detail essential.”

He also warned that groundings pose serious environmental risks, including damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats. Even one incident, he said, can cause long-term ecosystem harm and require costly restoration efforts.

The MSIRA is urging all vessel operators—including charter crews, private owners, commercial operators, and bareboat charterers—to reaffirm their commitment to safe navigation. Recommendations include reviewing bareboat charter qualification criteria, ensuring proper briefings, consulting cruising guides and local charts before departure, following designated channels, monitoring water depth, observing navigational buoys, and reporting hazards.

All marine accidents, including groundings, must be reported to the MSIRA within 24 hours, as required under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2020.

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In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Trust said the plantings support the replacement of invasive species and the long-term health of two of the Territory’s most visited natural sites. Officials said the initiative aligns with broader conservation priorities across the national park system.

“Arbour Day is an opportunity to give back to the land that sustains us,” the Trust said. “These plantings contribute to the resilience of our coastal landscapes and help ensure these sites remain healthy for generations to come.”

Alongside the plantings, the Trust’s annual Arbour Day Plant Sale is being held at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 28. The sale features a variety of fruit trees, including Suriname cherry, lemon, sugar apple, sugarcane fruit, and starfruit, as well as other native species. The Trust also made available the Ylang Ylang tree, known for its fragrant yellow blossoms used in perfumery.

Residents were encouraged to take part in Arbour Day by planting trees in their communities or visiting the Botanic Gardens to purchase native species. The Trust noted that public participation plays a vital role in advancing environmental stewardship across the Territory.

Arbour Day observances highlight reforestation, biodiversity, and the importance of native vegetation — key components in safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Virgin Islands.

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