Jahphix Television - #1 BVI news https://jahphixtelevision.com/tag/virginislandnewsonline/ British Virgin Islands (BVI) News on Demand Mon, 24 Feb 2025 21:31:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Water Crisis Forces Early Dismissal at Elmore Stoutt High School https://jahphixtelevision.com/2025/02/24/water-crisis-forces-early-dismissal-at-elmore-stoutt-high-school/ https://jahphixtelevision.com/2025/02/24/water-crisis-forces-early-dismissal-at-elmore-stoutt-high-school/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 21:31:38 +0000 https://jahphixtelevision.com/?p=15745 Students at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) were dismissed early today, February 24,  due to a major water situation affecting the entire Road Town area. School officials announced the unexpected closure in a letter to parents, citing concerns over the ongoing issue. According to the school’s principal, Vanessa Garraway, classes ended at 12:45 p.m., with […]

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Students at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) were dismissed early today, February 24,  due to a major water situation affecting the entire Road Town area. School officials announced the unexpected closure in a letter to parents, citing concerns over the ongoing issue.

According to the school’s principal, Vanessa Garraway, classes ended at 12:45 p.m., with transportation arrangements in place for students who regularly take the school bus. Parents and guardians picking up their children were asked to do so by 1:20 p.m., and students were permitted to collect their lunch from school vendors before leaving.

“We deeply apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” Garraway stated in the notice.

The exact cause of the water disruption was not specified in the school’s communication.

Authorities and school administrators have encouraged parents to reach out to the school office with any questions or concerns.

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ICE Agents Cannot Enter USVI Schools Without Judicial Warrant, Governor Says https://jahphixtelevision.com/2025/02/01/ice-agents-cannot-enter-usvi-schools-without-judicial-warrant-governor-says/ https://jahphixtelevision.com/2025/02/01/ice-agents-cannot-enter-usvi-schools-without-judicial-warrant-governor-says/#respond Sat, 01 Feb 2025 12:45:20 +0000 https://jahphixtelevision.com/?p=15321 Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has made it clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot enter school grounds in the U.S. Virgin Islands without a judicial warrant. In a memorandum issued on January 29,  to cabinet members and government staff, Bryan outlined strict guidelines for handling ICE activity, particularly within public schools. “Schools should […]

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Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has made it clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot enter school grounds in the U.S. Virgin Islands without a judicial warrant. In a memorandum issued on January 29,  to cabinet members and government staff, Bryan outlined strict guidelines for handling ICE activity, particularly within public schools.

“Schools should not permit the agent to enter the school building without a warrant signed by a judicial officer,” the governor stated in the directive. He emphasised that administrative warrants, which are issued by immigration authorities but not approved by a judge, do not grant access to non-public locations such as schools.

The guidance also makes clear that ICE agents cannot question students without parental consent or request immigration-related information from school staff. Disclosing such details without a judicial order or subpoena could violate students’ rights.

Bryan instructed school officials to report any ICE presence immediately. “The Commissioner of Education shall immediately notify the Attorney General of reported ICE activity,” the memorandum states.

The governor also reaffirmed that local law enforcement officers are not required to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. “Federal ICE activity is not sanctioned or assisted by local law enforcement,” he wrote, stressing that peace officers in the territory are responsible for protecting residents and enforcing local laws, not aiding federal immigration operations.

The directive has been met with support from education officials and community advocates.

“Our job is to educate and protect children, not to act as immigration enforcers,” said a senior Department of Education official. “This guidance ensures that our schools remain safe spaces for all students.”

Immigrant rights advocates also welcomed the governor’s stance. “Families should not have to live in fear that dropping their child off at school could result in an immigration encounter,” said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group.

While ICE has not publicly commented on its operations in the territory, Bryan’s memorandum sends a strong message that the USVI government will not facilitate federal immigration enforcement in schools.

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Annapolis Boat Show to Highlight the British Virgin Islands in 5-Day Event https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/10/09/annapolis-boat-show-to-highlight-the-british-virgin-islands-in-5-day-event/ https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/10/09/annapolis-boat-show-to-highlight-the-british-virgin-islands-in-5-day-event/#respond Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:57:20 +0000 https://jahphixtelevision.com/?p=14683 The British Virgin Islands will take center stage at this year’s Annapolis Boat Show, which begins in less than 24 hours. Over 125,000 sailing enthusiasts will gather from October 10th to 14th to enjoy an action-packed event at the Annapolis Yacht Basin. The British Virgin Islands’ sailing industry favorites will be well represented, offering attendees […]

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The British Virgin Islands will take center stage at this year’s Annapolis Boat Show, which begins in less than 24 hours. Over 125,000 sailing enthusiasts will gather from October 10th to 14th to enjoy an action-packed event at the Annapolis Yacht Basin. The British Virgin Islands’ sailing industry favorites will be well represented, offering attendees an exciting glimpse into the Caribbean’s premier sailing destination.

Visitors to the show can stop by the BVI booth for a chance to spin the “Winner’s Wheel” for special island-themed prizes. Additionally, one lucky attendee will win a 7-day charter aboard the award-winning Moorings 4500 Sailing catamaran, complete with airfare for two provided by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.

To top it off, Pusser’s British Virgin Islands Annapolis Showcase will feature live performances by Kamau Georges, Dalan Vanterpool, and Cal J at Pusser’s Rooftop on Sunday, October 13th. Attendees can also sample Painkiller and Rum Punch drinks on select days, bringing the flavors of the BVI to the heart of Annapolis.

Show Schedule
Thursday, October 10th – Sunday, October 13th
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Monday, October 14th
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location:
City Dock, Annapolis, MD 21401

Be sure to grab your tickets and join the festivities, with plenty of activities celebrating both the world of sailing and the beauty of the British Virgin Islands.

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BVI Elected Vice Chair of UN Caribbean Development Committee https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/09/13/bvi-elected-vice-chair-of-un-caribbean-development-committee/ https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/09/13/bvi-elected-vice-chair-of-un-caribbean-development-committee/#respond Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:38:44 +0000 https://jahphixtelevision.com/?p=14488 The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been elected by acclimation as a Vice Chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), a subsidiary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). This decision was confirmed at the 30th Session of the CDCC held on September 11, 2024. The election […]

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been elected by acclimation as a Vice Chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), a subsidiary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). This decision was confirmed at the 30th Session of the CDCC held on September 11, 2024.

The election results designate Trinidad and Tobago as Chair, Saint Lucia and Jamaica as Vice Chairs, and Saint Kitts and Nevis as Rapporteur. Senior ECLAC officials, including Executive Secretary Mr. Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs and Director of the ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, Mrs. Diane Quarless, were present at the session.

In its new role, the BVI will assist the Chair, represented by the Honourable Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago. The BVI will support the CDCC’s programme of work for 2024-26, focusing on advancing the Caribbean’s sustainable development and climate resilience under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Additionally, the BVI will lead a new Working Group established by CDCC resolution to enhance UN system collaboration on providing assistance to ECLAC Associate Members, aiding their sustainability, resilience, and development.

During the CDCC session, Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley, in his capacity as BVI Representative to the UN in Latin America and the Caribbean, assumed the role of Vice Chair. He also participated in the 8th Meeting of the Caribbean Development Roundtable (CDR) from September 9-10, ahead of the CDCC session.

Mr. Wheatley expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “We are humbled by the trust and confidence placed in the British Virgin Islands by ECLAC, the UN system, and the CDCC membership. It is an honour to represent the BVI on this crucial committee that supports the sustainable development and economic transformation of the Caribbean. We look forward to working collaboratively with the CDCC Bureau, committee members, and development partners to advance the subregion.”

The BVI has been an Associate Member of ECLAC since 1984 and joined the CDCC in 1985. The CDCC, established in 1975, aims to facilitate the cooperation and development of the Caribbean subregion.

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Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/09/10/major-road-rehabilitation-projects-underway/ https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/09/10/major-road-rehabilitation-projects-underway/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2024 20:32:32 +0000 https://jahphixtelevision.com/?p=14454 The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched an extensive series of road rehabilitation and upgrade projects across the Territory as part of a broad infrastructural development program to enhance the safety and quality of its road network for residents and visitors alike. Director of the Public Works Department, Jeremy Hodge, stated that the Ministry […]

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The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched an extensive series of road rehabilitation and upgrade projects across the Territory as part of a broad infrastructural development program to enhance the safety and quality of its road network for residents and visitors alike.

Director of the Public Works Department, Jeremy Hodge, stated that the Ministry of Communications and Works is spearheading these efforts, with particular attention being given to key areas that have faced significant challenges. One such area is the main road on Jost Van Dyke, where ongoing construction work addresses damage sustained nearly two years ago during a severe weather event. “A section of the road was severely undermined, leaving the cliffside lane impassable and reducing 45 linear feet of roadway to one lane,” Mr. Hodge explained.

The rehabilitation plan for Jost Van Dyke includes installing an enhanced drainage system, building a large gabion stepped structure to stabilise the hillside, constructing a 45-foot retaining wall, demolishing the damaged concrete roadway, and reinstating the road itself.

Additional roadworks are also in progress throughout the Territory. Notable projects include asphalt paving along Blackburn Highway near Jean Hill and Fish Bay, and scheduled work on the Brandywine Bay Road to East End route from Wednesday, September 11, to Wednesday, September 18, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

Officials have urged the public to exercise caution and adhere to all signage during these construction periods. The Ministry of Communications and Works has apologised for any inconvenience caused and expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and understanding as these critical infrastructure projects are completed.

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Anegada Public Officers Celebrate Completion of Public Service 101 Course https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/07/11/anegada-public-officers-celebrate-completion-of-public-service-101-course/ https://jahphixtelevision.com/2024/07/11/anegada-public-officers-celebrate-completion-of-public-service-101-course/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:39:05 +0000 https://jahphixtelevision.com/?p=13527 Thirty-three public officers living and working on Anegada have recently completed the Public Service 101 course, marking the successful delivery of this essential training across all four main islands of the Virgin Islands. Public Service 101, a comprehensive three-day course offered by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI), is mandatory for all public […]

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Thirty-three public officers living and working on Anegada have recently completed the Public Service 101 course, marking the successful delivery of this essential training across all four main islands of the Virgin Islands.

Public Service 101, a comprehensive three-day course offered by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI), is mandatory for all public officers. Participants, including staff from various departments and educators, gained in-depth knowledge about the Government’s systems, frameworks, and best practices necessary for success in their roles.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, lauded the achievement and underscored the importance of the course being conducted on all major islands.

“Public Service 101 represents a critical starting point for learning and development in the Public Service,” said Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome. “It allows public officers to be more informed about the systems and procedures within the organization, which will aid them as they seek to progress in their professional lives. This milestone marks a critical step for the future of learning and development in the Public Service.”

Throughout the course, public officers engaged with a variety of topics presented by experts in their respective fields. Sessions included “The Public Service and You,” “Office Procedures in the Public Service,” “The National Sustainable Development Plan,” and an extensive presentation from the Department of Human Resources, among others.

Dr. Connie E. George, Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, emphasized the transformative impact of the course. “Hundreds of public officers across our four major islands have now experienced Public Service 101. This course presents a thrilling three-day learning experience that causes the attendees to not only consider the organization of the Public Service, but it allows for each officer to take a full look at themselves and truly consider their vision for their time in the Public Service.”

To date, VIPSLI has hosted six Public Service 101 sessions, including one specifically designed for educators. The institute remains committed to fostering a world-class Public Service through continuous learning and development opportunities.

The Government of the Virgin Islands’ dedication to building a knowledgeable and efficient public service is evident through initiatives like Public Service 101, which equip officers with the tools needed to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the territory’s development.

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