Ports Project racks up an astonishing $9M in admin cost!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the public and perhaps tax payers try to come to grip with the announcement in a statement on January 25, 2016 by the Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) that to date the controversial Ports Development Project has cost $82.9 million, one of the breakdowns that has caught many by surprise is the administrative cost of the project.
Effluent from Burt Point sewage treatment plant alarms residents
BURT POINT, Tortola, VI – The newly commissioned sewage treatment plant located at Burt Point on the main island of Tortola caused major concern today January 30, 2016 when persons observed effluent coming from it and running into the sea.
Hon Fahie wants laws to protect ‘whistleblowers’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As allegations of mismanagement of public funds and corruption by the National Democratic Party (NDP) run rife and the NDP Government's disregard for transparency and accountability, Opposition Member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is calling for laws to protect whistleblowers and said the Opposition will be strongly advocating for such.
‘We must empower STT people to take control of their health’ – Moleto A. Smith Jr
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI – Former USVI Democratic Gubernatorial hopeful Moleto A. Smith Jr has lauded a ground-breaking community healthcare needs assessment study that the University of the Virgin Islands carried out and which provides a snapshot of school aged children and adults on the island of St Thomas, USVI and points out areas which may require greater attention.
Olympic 2016 dream is over for Brockbank & Andersen
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Olympic dream of reaching Rio 2016 is over for Christopher Brockbank and Alec Andersen as they concluded the final qualification Regatta in 28th place in the 49er Gold Fleet at the Miami Sailing World Cup on Friday January 29, 2016.
Alberto Rosa De La Rosa gets 10 years for manslaughter
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Alberto Rosa De La Rosa aka Dj Pi Yo Yo was today January 29, 2016 sentenced to a term of 10 years for the death of Riky Bautista Familia on November 16, 2012 in Sea Cows Bay.
OMG gets VI ‘Addicted’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- After a year in which it was able to capture the attention of music and party lovers, Virgin Islands band OMG is now releasing its first track- ‘Addicted’- signalling another upward step for the enthusiastic musicians.
Eileene L. Parsons, Jennie N. Wheatley launch revised history work
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Two celebrated daughters of Virgin Islands soil, author Mrs Jennie N. Wheatley and former Minister for Education and Culture Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE today January 29, 2016 launched a revised version of their iconic and seminal work '150 Years of Achievement: 1834 – 1984' and were on hand to autograph copies for persons who made purchases.
Jennifer Potter-Questelles In as Ports Chairwoman! Lettsome Out!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Amidst the allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds on the Ports Development Project, the BVI Ports Authority has secured a new Chairwoman.
This Week We Feature Young Professional Angel R. Brown
By Reuben J. A. Stoby
Only just out of the then BVI High School, our Young Professional for this Week had to make a decision to put his college ambitions on hold and has found himself in a different work setting than he had first envisaged. Nevertheless, he has no regrets as apart from being a breadwinner for his family he takes much gratification in being able to help others due to his profession.
Education legislation will ‘bring people here’ – Hon Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The passage of the Higher Education Licencing Act will add another tier of economic opportunity for the territory as persons from all over the world will come to the VI for their higher education needs.
Establishments failing to post 'No Smoking' signs will be fined – Hon Skelton
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton has promised to get tough on hospitality businesses that do not display no smoking signs or that allow patrons to smoke on the premises.
Last chance saloon for Road to Rio Sailors
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – There was just a single race on Thursday January 28, 2016 at the Miami Sailing World Cup, with Alec Andersen and Chris Brockbank unable to gain ground in the hunt for a qualification spot for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Truck runs over side of hill in Long Trench
LONG TRENCH, Tortola, VI – A truck ended up over the side of a hill in Long Trench on the main island of Tortola today January 28, 2016.
Davos, inequality & a dangerous new world
By Dickson Igwe
Countries that have less wealth inequality are more equitable and stable than those where the vast amount of wealth is controlled by a handful of families, and the one percent. Supply Sided Economic Theory and Trickle Down over the past 30 have re-engineered world wealth distribution to the top of the pyramid.
Nickera Smith reported missing
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing woman who was last seen on Wednesday January 27, 2016 leaving her Hope Hill address.
Police called in @ SSB Office as fight breaks out
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As the new deadline approaches for persons to register for National Health Insurance, the tension escalated today January 28, 2016 to the point where ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force had to be called in at the Joshua S. Smith Building in Road Town to keep the crowd under control.
Fmr VI Chief Agricultural Officer back @ USVI Dept of Agriculture
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Many would remember that between 2000 to 2002 Dr Arthur C. Petersen Jr, a crucian served in the Virgin Islands as Chief Agricultural Officer in the Department of Agriculture. He was recruited from the Greater Virgin Islands after also serving as the United States Virgin Islands Commissioner of Agriculture under the Administration of former Governor Roy L. Schneider [1995-1999].
‘Country has not been left broke!’ – Premier Smith
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith has debunked the allegation that the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government left the territory broke to finance the June 8, 2015 general election, despite the fact that contractors and service providers cannot be paid as yet for work done in 2015.
Jr Minister portfolio will not affect focus on 'fixing' 8th District- Hon Marlon A. Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Junior Minister for Trade and Investment and Representative for the Eighth District Honourable Marlon A. Penn is confident that his constituents have nothing to be afraid of in terms of his being able to fully represent the district now that he has ministerial responsibilities.
BVIAA Founding Member Reynold S. ‘Rey’ O'Neal OBE honoured with IOC Trophy
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Reynold S. ‘Rey’ O'Neal OBE, a 1970 founding member of the British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) and a 1980 founding member of the BVI Olympic Committee, was honored during a tribute evening black tie dinner on Saturday night, January 23, 2016 at Maria's By The Sea, where he received the International Olympic Committee's Pierre de Coubertin trophy.
UPDATE: Leslie Smith charged for alleged firearm & ammo possession
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Leslie Smith aka 'Bulldog' of Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, appeared before Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo today January 27, 2016 charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Workers evacuated as fire ignites in Central Admin Building
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – All Government workers and visitors of the Central Administration Complex had to swiftly evacuate the building this morning January 27, 2016 as a small fire ignited in the vicinity of the deli located on the ground floor of the East atrium.
Where is Claude O. Skelton-Cline? Why is he so quiet over Ports scandal?
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the BVI Ports Authority Development Project corruption scandal reaches its peak with a whopping $82.9 Million price tag on a $45 Million project that was scaled back in the first place, one officer at the centre of it all is the former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline.
'Whose interest are we serving with Legal Prof. Act amendments?' – Hon Julian Fraser RA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) has questioned the Government as to whose interest is being served by the amendments to the Legal Profession Act after the legislation had been agreed upon just about one year ago.
USVI WAPA boss Hugo V. Hodge fired
VI CONSORTIUM
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI— In an emergency meeting called on January 26, 2016, the US Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (WAPA) board of governors determined that it was in the best interest of WAPA to end its relationship with the authority’s Executive Director, Hugo V. Hodge, some five months before his contract ends. Mr. Hodge will be out of WAPA by Friday January 29, 2016.
Amending of Legal Profession Act critical for foreign law firms – Premier Smith
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith said the territory has to be very careful when amending legislation because of it being a financial services jurisdiction on which some amendments could have negative effects.
Warner breaks 22-year old VI 400m Hurdles record
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Lakeisha “Mimi” Warner chopped 1.07 seconds off her personal best en route to taking down Pat Archibald’s 22-year old 400m Hurdles National Record mark of 60.0 seconds handheld time from 1984, when the BVI Athletics Association’s Development Series meet was held on Friday January 22, 2016.
100+ Women Who Care launches in the VI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- 100+ Women Who Care is an internationally recognised charitable movement that brings women of all walks of life together to give back to their communities.
Cedar Int’l & TAG to raffle off new Hyundai Tucson
KINGSTON, Tortola, VI – Cedar International School has partnered with Tortola Auto Group and Nagico Insurances for the launch of its second annual Grand Raffle to raise funds for the school’s Scholarship Fund meant to increase access to families who are less able to afford the school’s tuition fees.
Budget Day is February 8, 2016; HoA resumes today Jan. 26
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands Parliament or the House of Assembly (HoA) is expected to resume today, Tuesday January 26, 2016 at 2:30 PM at its chambers in Road Town, on the main island of Tortola.
Drama @ Ports as MD Secretary Nadia Demming removed from post!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - While the public and auditors are focused on the corruption allegations at the BVI Ports Authority's Cruise Pier Development Project that citizens were told would cost $45 million but to date is incomplete with a price tag of $82.9 million and counting, there is drama going on at the Ports Headquarters.
Hons Fraser, Fahie slam Govt for rushing legislation through HOA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie warned the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government against making the rushing of legislation through the House of Assembly the norm rather than the exception.
Hugh E. Darley 'shocked' @ ports project spending
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Following yesterday’s January 25, 2016 bombshell disclosures by Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) regarding the total cost of the ports project being $82.9 million, former developer of the project Mr Hugh E. Darley expressed shock at the figures revealed.
Bolt may extend career to 2020 Olympics
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — The fastest man ever, Usain St Leo Bolt says he has considered the possibility of extending his remarkable sprinting career to the 2020 Olympics — but is targeting a history-making new world 200m record at this year’s Rio de Janeiro games first.
Hon Fahie slams reordering of questions as ‘Abuse of Power & Undemocratic’
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In what Opposition Member Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) described as blatant abuse of power and undemocratic, Leader of Government Business and Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith moved the questions the Opposition had on the Order Paper for the Government today January 25, 2016 to a later time on the Order Paper.
Ports project cost soaring @ almost $83M
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) today January 25, 2016 reported on the status of the cruise pier development project, updating the public that the total cost of the project has swelled to $82.9 million against the previously estimated total of $45 million.
Festival 2015 performers will be paid, 'trust me’ – Premier Smith
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith on Thursday January 21, 2016 acknowledged that Government should have paid local performers of Emancipation Festival 2015 before the end of last year.
EXCLUSIVE: Hon Marlon A. Penn hits ground running as Jr Minister
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The first major undertaking for Representative for the Eighth District and Junior Minister with responsibility for Trade and Investment Honourable Marlon A. Penn is to work on a study on the major economic pillars of the Virgin Islands with a view to charting a way through the turbulent global climate in which the territory finds itself.
Rowson resigns as BVIFA Technical Director
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) Technical Director, Katie Rowson, has tendered her resignation after just under 12 months in the position.
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