News
Food security seems to be forgotten – MP Bellingham
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “It seems to be crazy that countries in the Caribbean which are well endowed in sun and wind are importing so much fuel and it also seems to me that food security has been forgotten,” opined Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham MP at a press conference held at the Premier’s Office on April 23, 2012.
No plans for housing scheme project this year!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The housing scheme, which was touted by the previous Minister for Natural Resources and Labour (MNR&L) Hon. Omar Hodge to be the ideal machination to alleviate the high cost of rent, has been shelved – at least for this year.
Principal recommends increase in text book prices at ESHS!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Principal of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), Ms. Melissa Amey, in deliberations with the 2012 Standing Finance Committee (SFC), suggested that the books purchased and sold by the school be sold at a higher rate.
99 cases of HIV/AIDS in the Virgin Islands, 35 dead!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Appearing before the 2012 Standing Finance Committee (SFC) National AIDS Coordinator (NAC) Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke, told the members that in the Virgin Islands since June 1985 up until December 2011, there were 99 cases of HIV/AIDS reported to the Ministry of Health and Social Development. She further stated that of the 99 cases there were 35 AIDS related deaths so 1/3 of the infected persons have passed on which left a total of approximately 64 reported cases in the Territory.
Only 13 out of 72 staff are locals at Her Majesty’s Prison
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - After learning when the Governor’s Office appeared before the 2012 Standing Finance Committee (SFC) that both the Governor and the Ministry of Education and Culture were responsible for the prison with “gray” areas, the Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison Richard Holder has also added to the confusion.
HOA did not receive a verbatim transcript within last five years
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - During the 2012 Standing Finance Committee (SFC), a body appointed by the House of Assembly (HOA) to examine the draft budget estimates for this year, it was brought to light that the HOA, the highest law making body of the Virgin Islands, has not received verbatim transcript within the last five years from the Court Reporting Unit.
Expat recruited over retirement age for T&CP, says Donovan-Stevens
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - In a time when many indigenous Virgin Islanders are being forced out once they reach the retirement age of 60 years, many were surprised to learn that an expatriate over the age of 60 was recruited for a senior position as the Deputy Director of the Town and Country Planning Department (T&CP).
Chief Planner concern: Any agent can submit a plan to be approved
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Concerns have been raised regarding the outdated guidelines that are currently being used by the Town and Country Planning Department (T&CP) and the need for them to be updated including the section which enforces the qualification of architects for submitting a plan.
Marlon Penn: Persons in high places have no appreciation for Technical areas!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Appearing before the 2012 Standing Finance Committee (SFC) to defend their budget and speak to the challenges in the technical field of her agency was the Deputy Director of the Information Technology Department Ms. Lucia Donovan.
Legislators debate the meaning of a “petty contract”
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Many residents are confused that there is an Audit Department headed by the Auditor General Mrs. Sonia Webster as well as an Internal Audit Department separate from the main Auditor General’s Department reporting to the Ministry of Finance. The former Director of the Internal Audit Department is Wendell M. Gaskin, CFE now the Deputy Financial Secretary.