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The historic event, featuring a record-breaking 193 teams in the Open section and 181 squads in the Women’s competition, is being held in Budapest, Hungary, from September 10-23.

For more updates, follow BVI Chess Federation.

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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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The newly crowned Miss British Virgin Islands 2024, Adacia Adonis, secured a 4th place finish at the Miss Jaycees Queen Show 2024, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Miss BVI contestant.

Though she did not claim the top spot, Adonis stood out among the 11 contestants as she competed fiercely in the pageant held at the Antigua Recreation Ground on July 31.

The crown ultimately went to Shan Lucien of St. Lucia, who dominated the evening by winning several major awards, including Most True to the Theme, Best Talent, Best Modeling in Evening Wear, and Best Evening Wear. Lucien’s victory highlighted the competition’s theme, “Beauty Unbroken,” celebrating the resilience and spirit of Caribbean women.

Desrie Markham of Antigua and Barbuda earned the title of 1st runner-up, along with awards for Best Swimsuit and Congeniality, while Grenada’s Amonai Francis, the 2nd runner-up, took home the Interview Award. Miss Guadeloupe, Kaéna Rangassamy, was named Miss Photogenic.

This year’s Miss Jaycees Queen Show marked its 61st anniversary, continuing a rich tradition of celebrating Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. The event, themed “Beauty Unbroken,” featured vibrant performances, stunning fashion, and showcased the enduring strength of women from across the region.

Since its inception in 1963, the Miss Jaycees Queen Show has become a cornerstone of Caribbean pageantry, drawing participants and spectators from across the globe. This year’s event was broadcast live, allowing a worldwide audience to witness the crowning of the 2024 queen and celebrate the achievements of all the contestants.

 

Photo: Miss Jaycees

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Governor Pruce confirmed that, after consultations with the National Emergency Operations Centre and Premier Natalio D. Wheatley, it is now generally safe for residents to move about. Government offices are scheduled to reopen tomorrow, August 15.

“This means that it is generally safe to move about, and that Government offices will re-open tomorrow, but we should all still use caution,” Governor Pruce stated. He advised motorists to be aware of potential hazards such as ponding on roads and scattered debris, and urged mariners to remain vigilant, as rough seas are expected to persist for the next few days.

While a full assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Ernesto is still underway, initial reports indicate that the storm inflicted significant damage across the islands. The Territory experienced sustained winds of 48 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour. Rainfall averaged five inches, with some areas receiving as much as eight inches.

The Governor acknowledged the impact of flooding on homes and businesses, as well as the widespread property damage caused by strong winds, high waves, and downed trees. “Many have been impacted by flooding, and will need time to repair and restore their homes or businesses,” he said.

Power has been restored in Road Town and Central Tortola, but Governor Pruce cautioned that it may take time for the entire Territory to be fully reconnected. He also urged residents to check on friends and neighbours, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

As the Territory moves into the peak of hurricane season, Governor Pruce stressed the importance of preparation. “I have one more request: As we head into the busiest period of the hurricane season, I ask everyone to consider how they can prepare for the next storm and take steps to be ready,” he advised.

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Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley in a statement today, August 14,  provided an update on the recovery operations.

“I hope and pray you have all made it safely through the worst of Ernesto,” Premier Wheatley said, underscoring the seriousness of the storm’s impact. He confirmed that crews from the Public Works Department, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), and telecommunications providers are actively working to clear the roads and restore essential services.

The Premier also acknowledged the critical role of district representatives and heavy equipment operators who have been instrumental in assisting their communities during this challenging time. “I acknowledge the district representatives and the heavy equipment operators who are assisting their communities at this time,” he noted.

As the Territory begins to recover, Premier Wheatley urged residents to prioritize safety by remaining indoors until an official all-clear is given. “Please protect your safety and the safety of our essential workers and allow these crews time to do their work,” he advised.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is expected to convene shortly to assess the situation further and coordinate ongoing efforts. Premier Wheatley assured the public that additional updates would be provided following the NEOC’s meeting.

Reflecting on the collective resilience of the Virgin Islands, the Premier offered words of gratitude and hope. “We are grateful to God for His protection. May His love and mercy be our shelter throughout the remainder of this Hurricane season,” he concluded.

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Early Wednesday morning, August 14, Ernesto was upgraded to a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. The upgrade occurred around 11:00 AM local time when Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph, as forecasters had predicted. The storm is expected to strengthen further, potentially becoming a major hurricane in the next couple of days.

As of 11:00 AM AST (1500 UTC), Hurricane Ernesto was positioned near latitude 20.5 North and longitude 67.6 West, approximately 175 miles (280 km) northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and around 835 miles (1340 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. The storm is currently moving northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h), with a turn toward the north-northwest and then north expected later today and tonight. The storm is forecasted to continue a generally northward motion at a slower pace through Saturday.

Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph (120 km/h), with higher gusts reported, and the storm’s minimum central pressure has dropped to 991 mb (29.27 inches), signalling further intensification. Hurricane-force winds now extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach out as far as 230 miles (370 km).

The forecast track indicates that Ernesto will continue to move away from Puerto Rico today, gradually shifting across the western Atlantic over the next few days. The hurricane is expected to approach Bermuda by Friday and Saturday, potentially strengthening further as it progresses.

For residents in the affected areas, the combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds presents a serious threat. The persistent rains are likely to lead to significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions already saturated from previous downpours. Flooding could become widespread and severe, prompting local authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

The U.S. and British Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, are advised to continue monitoring the situation closely, heed all warnings, and take necessary precautions to protect life and property. As Ernesto advances, the situation remains fluid, and updates from the National Hurricane Center and local disaster management agencies will be critical for ensuring safety.

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As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, the tropical wave, now officially named Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, was projected to become the third hurricane of the 2024 season. The NHC predicts that the system will develop into a tropical depression by early Monday morning and potentially intensify into Tropical Storm Ernesto shortly thereafter.

Currently moving west-northwest at 21 mph, Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is located approximately 950 miles southeast of Antigua. It has sustained winds of 30 mph and a central pressure of 1010 millibars. The system’s expansive stretch of showers and thunderstorms has grown more organized, prompting a series of tropical storm watches across the Caribbean.

In response to the impending threat, several governments across the Caribbean have issued Tropical Storm Watches, signaling the potential for tropical storm conditions within 48 hours. The affected areas include Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.

The Tropical Storm Watches highlight the growing concern for residents in these areas, who are advised to stay vigilant as the system advances. Interests in the Leeward Islands, British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are also encouraged to monitor the storm’s progress closely, with additional watches potentially being issued tonight or early Monday.

As Potential Tropical Cyclone Five continues on its west-northwest trajectory, it is poised to become Tropical Storm Ernesto in the coming days.

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