As of Thursday morning, Erin was located about 904 miles east of the Leeward Islands and 1,091 miles east of the British Virgin Islands, moving west at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The system is expected to pass just north of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall, tropical-storm-force winds and dangerous rip currents.

Forecasters said large swells are likely to affect coastal areas as early as Friday, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers and boaters. Even if the storm’s center remains offshore, impacts are expected across much of the northeastern Caribbean.

The latest forecast track shows Erin curving north and northeast away from the United States early next week, but meteorologists caution that the storm’s exact proximity to the East Coast remains uncertain. Rough surf and a high risk for rip currents are likely along the U.S. East Coast throughout next week, regardless of the storm’s final path.

Erin’s maximum winds are projected to strengthen significantly over the next 48 hours, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 60 miles from its center. Officials in the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands have urged residents to monitor updates and review hurricane preparedness plans.

The next advisory is expected at 11 a.m. ECT or sooner if conditions change, forecasters Letitia Humphreys and Charissa Humphreys said.

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The Ministry of Communications and Works, acting on behalf of the government, seeks proposals from locally based insurance companies to provide these services. Prospective tenderers must meet specific criteria, including holding a valid licence to operate as an insurance company or agent in the British Virgin Islands and demonstrating compliance with tax, duty, and social security obligations.

Interested parties must submit a completed Form of Tender, a financial proposal, and proof of good standing with relevant governmental agencies. Additional documentation outlined in the tender instructions must also be provided. Failure to submit the required documentation will render a bid non-responsive.

Tender documents can be requested via email at procurement@gov.vg with the subject title “Insurance Coverage for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex.” Applicants are responsible for ensuring receipt of documents, as the government’s procurement mailbox does not provide automatic confirmations.

A virtual pre-tender meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 13th March, at 10:00 a.m. local time. Access credentials for the meeting will be provided to all prospective tenderers beforehand.

Tenders must be submitted in one original copy, three additional copies, and a flash drive containing all documents. The original tender should be placed in a sealed envelope marked “ORIGINAL,” while additional copies should be placed in a separate sealed envelope marked “COPIES.” These envelopes must then be placed in an outer envelope labelled “Tender for Insurance Coverage for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex” and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tenders Board, Ministry of Finance, Procurement Unit, RFG Place 2nd Floor, Road Town, Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands.

The submission deadline is 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, 1st April. Late submissions will not be accepted. The tenders will be opened at 11:45 a.m. on the same day at the Procurement Unit, Ministry of Finance, RFG Building, Road Town, and tenderers may witness the process via Webex.

The Government of the Virgin Islands reserves the right to reject any or all tenders and will not be responsible for any costs incurred by applicants in the preparation of their proposals.

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Throughout the day, the team made strategic adjustments to adapt to the changing conditions. Starting with the J3 jib for the first few races, they switched to the J2 jib for later races, maintaining consistent performance. Particularly noteworthy were their starts and the first windward mark roundings, where the team matched up well against the top contenders in the field. Although Charisma and Aleph Racing battled it out for the title, newer teams like GeMera and Lanzarote Calero Sailing Team used the final race to refine their coordination and continue gaining experience.

Looking ahead, the Lanzarote Calero Sailing Team is now focused on the next stop of the 44Cup circuit in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, scheduled for May 15-18, 2025. With key learnings from Nanny Cay, the team is eager to make further strides, especially with the anticipation of racing with their own boat in Porto Cervo.

“We’ve completed a very demanding event, facing some of the world’s best crews. While the results don’t yet reflect our full potential, we leave with invaluable experience and the certainty that with our own boat at the next event, we will be able to compete under better conditions,” said tactician Alfredo González.

As the 44Cup continues to grow, the Lanzarote Calero Sailing Team remains committed to using the competition as a platform for talent development, combining experienced sailors with promising young prospects. With their new boat designed specifically to meet their needs, the team aims to close the gap and emerge as a stronger contender in future events, including the overall standings.

For more information on the 44Cup Nanny Cay and race results, visit 44cup.org.

For more on the Lanzarote Calero Sailing Team, visit lanzarotecalerosailingteam.com.

16 February 2025 – 44Cup Nanny Cay

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) recently announced that its citizens do not require visas to travel to Guyana. This decision, made by the Cabinet on September 24, 2024, aligns with the BVI’s commitment to fostering closer ties and promoting easier travel for business and tourism.

Officials further stated that the Ministry’s website will be updated in due course to reflect this clarification.

This development comes amid broader efforts to facilitate regional cooperation and economic partnerships. The decision to lift visa restrictions is expected to enhance business opportunities and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

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The footage shows the duo brandishing what appear to be firearms as they made their way into the premises, sparking panic in the usually tranquil community.

In a separate incident reported in the same area, a prominent local businessman was attacked and beaten by bandits who demanded cash. Details about the extent of the injuries or the amount stolen remain unclear.

The back-to-back incidents have put business owners, employees, and residents on edge, with many calling for swift and decisive action from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Community members are urging authorities to deploy targeted strategies to address the recent surge in criminal activity, emphasising the need for an immediate crackdown on perpetrators to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the area.

Police have yet to release a formal statement.

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“We’re incredibly proud of the Barracudas’ achievements this year,” said a team representative. “Our swimmers put in the hard work, achieving 55 personal best times, and showing immense growth with more than double last year’s medal count. Their dedication is paying off.”

The team’s success was especially evident among its youngest swimmers, with many trying new events and demonstrating advanced techniques for the first time. Swimmers as young as eight made a mark, excelling in events like breaststroke pullouts and flip turns—a challenging feat given the team’s limited access to training facilities with regulation flags and pools back home.

Leading the charge, eight-year-old Skylar Steer clinched first place in five events, including the 25m Freestyle (20.14) and 100m Freestyle (1:37.15). Teammate Naya Bissoondutt also delivered top results, securing two first-place finishes in the 8 & Under category, while fellow swimmer William Vergel placed on the podium in three events, underscoring the young team’s depth of skill and potential.

The Barracudas’ relay teams also performed admirably, with the Mixed 8 & Under Medley and Freestyle Relay teams both taking second-place finishes, adding to the team’s impressive medal count.

Older team members brought in strong results as well, with Kyrique Matthew in the Boys 11-12 category capturing first in four events, including the 100m Freestyle (1:25.26) and the 200m Breaststroke (4:06.46). Princess Samantha Vergel and Amaury Rosan-Jones also contributed significantly in their respective age categories.

“We are immensely grateful to everyone who helped make this meet possible,” noted the team, extending thanks to the VISF, event officials, supportive parents, and sponsors, including Aquatic Rentals VI, ATU, Island Shipping, John Duncan, and Nanny Cay, where the team was able to train in preparation for the championships.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, a Barracudas representative remarked, “The hard work and dedication of our swimmers has truly shone through. We are extremely proud of their achievements and look forward to more success in the future. This accomplishment is the result of a strong community effort.”

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Governor Daniel Pruce has announced the suspension of the recruitment process for a new Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), citing the changing and increasingly complex security challenges facing the Territory. Governor Pruce explained that this decision would allow the RVIPF to refine its leadership requirements to better meet these demands.

“We began the recruitment process earlier this year, aiming to have a new Commissioner in place by the end of November,” Pruce stated. “However, after careful consideration, I have decided to suspend that process.”

The decision will create a temporary leadership gap following the conclusion of Commissioner Mark Collins’ contract next month. Governor Pruce indicated that he will rely on the senior leadership team within the RVIPF to ensure continuity during the interim period. Additionally, he plans to “seek additional reinforcements at the senior level” to support the team through this transition.

Governor Daniel Pruce

In explaining his decision, Governor Pruce referred to an ongoing law enforcement review conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire, and Rescue Services. The review’s first volume has already delivered 138 recommendations, many of which impact the RVIPF, with further recommendations expected in a second volume due in the coming months. “These recommendations will shape the future of the RVIPF for years to come,” Pruce noted.

The evolving nature of the Territory’s security needs has shifted the qualities now required for the next Commissioner, Pruce explained. “We need someone who can lead a mission-critical organisation through a complex strategic transformation while delivering improved operational outcomes,” he said. “The assessments have shown that the qualities required in this role differ from those we initially sought.”

As a result, the recruitment process will be redefined with updated qualifications and skills before relaunching. “I intend to begin the new process as soon as possible,” Pruce added, thanking those who had already applied and inviting them to reapply under the new specifications.

This announcement comes as the RVIPF and other law enforcement agencies confront increasing security challenges across the Territory. “The police are at the centre of our security efforts,” Pruce said, describing the appointment of a new Commissioner as “likely the single most important security decision I will make during my tenure as Governor.”

Governor Pruce concluded with a direct message to RVIPF officers, recognising their dedication and commitment. “You are a remarkable body of committed men and women who deserve outstanding leadership. I owe it to you, and to all the people of the Virgin Islands, to ensure I get it right,” he affirmed.

Sources report that Deputy Commissioners Jacqueline Vanterpool and St. Clair Amory were among those who applied for the position.

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The project’s first phase will focus on design, incorporating stakeholder feedback to create a facility tailored to the needs of farmers and fishers. The proposed design includes spaces for processing, storage, and distribution, as well as an abattoir, fish processing center, and administrative offices. The complex is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, reducing import dependence, and fostering sustainability in the local food sector.

The construction management phase will ensure the facility’s alignment with the approved designs, supporting the vision of a modern complex equipped to meet both local and export demands.

Speaking at the contract signing, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Karl Dawson highlighted the project’s role in supporting the Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022. “This facility will enable greater trade and ease the burden on individual farmers and fishers by consolidating the process,” Dawson stated. He underscored the government’s focus on enhancing food security, improving water access for agriculture, and making fisheries more sustainable.

The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Theodore James, emphasized the complex’s role in food safety and value-added services, noting, “This facility will allow us to process food at a high standard, supporting safe production practices while expanding our capacity to transform single products into multiple offerings fit for local and export markets.”

RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster confirmed the project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026, adding that the agency is committed to delivering the project within budget. Ronnie Lettsome of Trojan Design and Development Ltd. assured the public of the firm’s commitment to the project, noting that the new design would meet modern standards and help advance the BVI’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.

The new complex will replace facilities lost during the hurricanes of 2017, modernizing local agriculture with an enhanced abattoir, re-established fish processing hub, and new spaces for administration and education.

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Premier Hon. Natalio Wheatley, Minister of Communications Kye Rymer, and Junior Minister of Tourism Luce Hodge Smith were present to welcome the flight along with other officials. This new route is part of Caribbean Airlines’ regional expansion strategy, aiming to improve connectivity across the Caribbean. The airline will operate four flights per week between its Trinidad hub and Tortola, providing connections to destinations like Antigua, Barbados, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, stated that the new service aligns with the company’s goal of enhancing regional travel. “This new service to Tortola supports our growth strategy and commitment to improving travel options for our passengers,” Medera said.

Tourism officials in the British Virgin Islands expressed their support for the new route. Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission, noted the potential for increased tourism and economic benefits, stating that the new flights will provide more opportunities for visitors to access the islands.

The expansion of Caribbean Airlines’ network is seen as an important step in strengthening links within the region and supporting economic development in the Caribbean. The new route is expected to increase tourism to the British Virgin Islands, providing more options for travelers to explore the islands.

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