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Corona: The joker in the pack
By Dickson C. Igwe
The Coronavirus appeared at a very volatile moment in world history. In a new post, the great financial recession of 2008 world, ruled by authoritarian types in Russia, China, India, Brazil, and even the supposedly freedom-loving USA, rising intolerance and racism, and a retreating global liberal democratic order, the politics of the Coronavirus, threatens massive economic, social, and political disruption.
'The TRC needs a shot in the arm’– Hon Marlon A. Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Arriving late at the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) today, Thursday, February 27, 2020, Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) publicly threw his full support behind Mr Vance M. Lewis, as the Chair of the local Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).
‘We do not have a confirmed Coronavirus case’– Premier Fahie
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following a bombshell voicenote making the rounds that the Virgin Islands may have its first Novel Coronavirus case, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has sought to dispel public fears.
Paul D. Bayly Out! Anthony S. McMaster In! as Acting CEO @ RDA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The controversial Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), which many Virgin Islanders continue to be suspicious about, and see it as an alternative Government, is in the spotlight again.
UPDATE: HoA off to late start; Opposition no show @ opening
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In an unprecedented move, at the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) today, Thursday, February 27, 2020, all of the Opposition Members were a no show when the house opened at its chambers in Road Town at around 10:45am.
VI should have diversified economy earlier rather than later- Lisa Penn-Lettsome
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Executive Director of International Business in the Virgin Islands, Mrs Lisa Penn-Lettsome says the drop in the Territory's financial services sector was mathematically forecasted based on growth figures from the last 20 years, hence, strategies should have been in place to counter the drop in the sector.
Hon Malone speaking 'nonsense if you ask me’- Hon Turnbull
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition Member Honourable Melvin A. Turnbull (R2) appeared slightly irate by Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone’s (AL) response to concerns from residents of Jost van Dyke, calling it ‘nonsense’ during the House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Man arrested in connection with death of Kehinda Frett aka ‘Kip’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Police have made an arrest as investigations continue into the death of 30-year-old Kehinda Frett aka 'Kip' or 'Kipling', who was involved in an accident while on his 4-wheel bike (ATV) at Port Purcell on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Hon Penn loses patience over VIF&FC financials he never inquired of own NDP Gov't for 3 years
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - When the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands continued yesterday, February 25, 2020, Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) was peeved that Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was unwilling to answer certain questions relating to income and expenses of the Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee until a detailed report is laid in the HoA.
Cruise ship blocked from calling on VI over Coronavirus fears
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Cruise ship M/V Costa Favolosa, scheduled to dock in the Virgin Islands today, February 26, 2020, has been disallowed from doing so over Coronavirus fears.
Men 'can't focus if your dress is too tight' in church- Apostle Fahie
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - In more controversial revelations as part of the 'Real Talk' television show with host Karia J. Christopher, local clergyman Apostle Curnal P. Fahie of the Transformational Church International (TCI), says he subjects women in his congregation to dress code checks with the aim of preventing them from distracting the men.
Premier ‘optimistic’ UK’s loan guarantee offer will work out
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said he is keeping hope alive that the United Kingdom’s offer to be a loan guarantor for the Virgin Islands for hurricane recovery and development will work out.
Tourists on motor scooter slam into vehicle on Admin Drive
WICKHAM’S CAY I, Tortola, VI- A motor scooter ride for two female cruise ship tourists did not go as planned today, February 25, 2020 as seconds after riding off they slammed into the front of a vehicle on Admin Drive, Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola.
Black History Month is more than dashikis & head wraps
Moleto A. Smith Jr
A few days ago, my wife and I ran into a few good friends over dinner and entertainment by great local musicians. They recently returned from Africa where they visited “The Door of No Return” in Ghana.
Premier Fahie assures his Gov’t 'will never do anything to silence the media’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Citing concern for youths, women and young girls, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime (Amendment) Act of 2019 brings protection by allowing authorities to prosecute those who film and take advantage of especially females and minors in sexual activities.
‘We have found planes, time for missing $7.2M to be found’- Premier Fahie
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The two missing planes intended to be operated by BVI Airways for its promised direct flight from mainland, USA to Beef Island in the Virgin Islands have been found and but the focus is now on recovering the $7.2M doled out to the failed airline by the previous National Democratic Party (NDP) Government.
Jevaughn J. Parsons appointed Director of Taxi & Livery Commission
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Taxi and Livery Commission has been making steady progress towards regulating the transportation-for-hire industry since the new Board was appointed in October 2019, according to Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5).
VINO Editorial in response to BVI Beacon article on Free Speech
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) continues to be and is perhaps the only credible media house that has been consistent in this Territory for the past 10 years on the issue of freedom of speech, as we pride ourselves on providing accurate and ‘inside information’ that hit at the core of issues affecting the Territory.
Power League is back as new surface installed @ Multi-Purpose Sports Complex
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A march of both female and male volleyball teams in the presence of Sports Minister Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), local and international representatives of the sport and the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) marked the welcomed return of the local volleyball league, dubbed 'Power league' at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
'Coronovirus is going to have a massive impact' on VI- Elise Donovan
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Noting that the Virgin Islands (VI) would have to ride out the current storm surrounding China's Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, CEO of BVI Finance Mrs Elise Donovan says the virus is projected to have dire implications on the VI's financial services sector and economy.
Sewerage networks in CGB & EE for comprehensive overhaul in 2020 – Hon Rymer
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) has pledged to revamp the sewerage network that has negatively impacted residents of East End/Long Look and the tourist hot spot Cane Garden Bay. Hon Rymer wants to have the works commence, if not completely resolved, in 2020.
HoA resumes today on anniversary of 2019 general elections
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands will resume at 10:00 am today, Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Regrets ‘set you on the path to your destiny’- Myron V. Walwyn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – On the 2020 anniversary eve of the National Democratic Party (NDP) being brutally ousted from Government in the February 25, 2019 General Elections, former legislator, Mr Myron V. Walwyn continues to show change in stark contrast to his aggressive demeanour showcased during the 2019 elections season.
Cash & jewelry taken in early morning robbery in Long Bush
LONG BUSH, Tortola, VI- Police are on the hunt for a male who carried out an armed robbery on two persons around 2:30 am today, Monday February 24, 2020 in Long Bush, in the capital Road Town.
'Tim' Duncan endorses Michael R. Bloomberg for US President
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI— Retired NBA Superstar from St Croix, US Virgin Islands, Mr Timothy T. Duncan aka 'Tim', has endorsed Michael R. Bloomberg for the President of the United States.
Paying tithes brings benefits like 'unlimited access to heaven' - Apostle Fahie
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Remarking that every 'kingdom' needs finances to function, such as that of the Government of the Virgin Islands, Apostle Curnal P. Fahie says the institution of the church and by extension, the 'Kingdom of God' is no different.
Controversial Grade 12: Some students were ‘held back’- Dr Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The additional school year forced upon students of public secondary schools in 2015 by the controversial former Minister for Education under the then National Democratic Party (NDP), Mr Myron V. Walwyn, was found to have held back students and will no longer be mandatory for everyone.
'Santo' fined $750 for beating up relative in VG bar
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Magistrate Ayanna O. Baptiste-DaBreo on Thursday, February 20 2020, fined a man from the Dominican Republic $750 for fighting with his relative and punching him in his left eye. The fined has to be paid by March 31, 2020 or the defendant will be incarcerated for 60 days at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP).
VI can already identify beneficial owners of companies- Elise Donovan
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Chief Executive Officer of BVI Finance, Mrs Elise Donovan says due to strict local policies regarding registration of companies, the Territory can already identify beneficial owners of companies registered in the Virgin Islands; however, it has taken the position to implement public registries only until it becomes a global standard.
Vanterpool Enterprises Ltd assisting with restoration of IT Lab @ ESHS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has secured sponsorship for the re-establishment of its Information Technology (IT) Laboratory, which was destroyed when hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the school in 2017.
Ricketts & Lindsay win 2020 Hauteville Trust 5K Series opener
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Hauteville Trust 5K Series kicked off at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground in Road Town on Saturday, February 22, 2020 with Jermaine Ricketts aka 'JJ' and Katrina Lindsay bagging the wins.
Canadian female dies while snorkelling in VG
POND BAY, Virgin Gorda, VI - Reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) indicates that an elderly Canadian national died on Virgin Gorda yesterday, Friday, February 21, 2020.
‘Run for Fun’ cruise tourists invade RT for 5K run
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Disembarking the Norwegian Epic cruise ship on Friday, February 21, 2020, some 200 runners from the ‘Run for Fun Cruise Tours Inc’ organization invaded Road Town, Tortola, in a grand spectacle as part of a 5K run from the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (TPP) to the Queen Elizabeth II Park and back.
3 guns found in USVI Public Schools in February
VI CONSORTIUM
ST THOMAS, USVI - In early February the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School was on lockdown at the end of the day while the Red Hook campus was searched for firearms. A student had been taken into custody in connection with a robbery. The boy had a gun and ammunition in his possession on school grounds, police said.
UPDATE: Dead ATV rider identified as Kehinda Frett aka 'Kip' or 'Kipling'
PURCELL ESTATE, Tortola, VI- Information coming into Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) is that the man who perished in an ATV today, Saturday, February 22, 2020, has been identified as 30-year-old Kehinda Frett aka 'Kip' or 'Kipling' from The Sound, East End.
'If you believe in God' you will give 10% tithes - Pastor Calvin Mills on 'Real Talk'
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI -Positing that there is no excuse for not giving to the church, Pastor of the Church of God Holiness, Mr Calvin Mills is of the firm belief that if you love God then you must give money to the church, even noting that 'when you can't afford to give, you can't afford not to give.'
This Week We Feature Young Professional Tishon S.J. Bridgewater
By Ron O. D'Avilar
With his eyes set on becoming the head chef of a top restaurant, 20-year-old Virgin Gordian Tishon S.J. Bridgewater is living his new found passion as a professional chef in the Virgin Islands tourism sector.
Man found dead in vehicle in Long Look
LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI- Information reaching Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) is that a man was discovered dead in his vehicle at Long Look, on the main island of Tortola, last evening, February 20, 2020.
No overruns! ‘We stayed to the cost’ - James P. Todman
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Amidst the celebrations at the finally opened new Iris O'Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda, the owner of the company contracted for the construction made it clear there was absolutely no budget overrun.
Autonomous UK & EU C'bean territories are a model for OT autonomy
By Dickson C. Igwe
Post Brexit Britain, and the events before and after, mean that a Referendum must now be held in the Caribbean Overseas territories, on deciding whether or not these islands move towards greater autonomy, either within the UK, or the European Union.
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