News
Racetrack land lease still unresolved; No horse races for 70th anniversary celebration
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- The last race day at Ellis Thomas Downs was August Tuesday of 2022. Since then Ellis Thomas Downs has laid barren. Many horse owners have either had to let their horses out of the stables to pasture, send them to other Caribbean Islands, or find creative ways to keep feeding them.
ESHS bans motor scooters from campus
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following an incident at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on October 9, 2023, which the Education Ministry in a statement said involved an alleged retaliation in connection with a stolen bike, the administration of ESHS has banned motor scooters from the campus.
Derelict vehicles ‘an increasing burden on the public’s purse’- Health Minister Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands is looking at medium and long term plans to help alleviate the cost of its derelict vehicles programme and this could include instituting a vehicle disposal fee.
USVI horse racing tracks: Progress on St Thomas, frustration on St Croix
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- In a Senate Committee that seemed to underscore a tale of two islands, progress and promise shone for the horse-racing industry on St Thomas, while bureaucratic delays and frustrations continued to mar the efforts on St Croix.
Willock calls for new negotiations regarding Ellis Thomas Downs stalemate
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- A staple of the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival activities is horse racing; however, it was missing from this year’s calendar of activities due to a breakdown in negotiations with landowners at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay last year.
Gov’t made 'significant' offer to family owning land @ Ellis Thomas Downs- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has indicated the Government of the Virgin Islands is awaiting a response from the family responsible for the Ellis Thomas Downs land in Sea Cows Bay, which will determine the future of horseracing.
School teacher calls for ban on toy guns in VI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A school teacher has called for a ban on toy guns in the Virgin Islands, as she believes their use could be training the minds of the youths to engage in activities involving real firearms.
Ms Parsons comments on Ellis Thomas Downs matter ‘misleading’- Hon Fraser
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- Former legislator Elieene L. Parsons OBE recently sought to shift blame on the state of Ellis Thomas Downs and the current impasse that has resulted in a ban on its use to Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser RA.
VI remains on Russia’s sanctions list; Other OTs added
MOSCOW, Russia- Russia expanded its sanctions list on Sunday, October 30, 2022, to include all British Overseas Territories, accusing them of "unfriendly actions" against Moscow.
No Gov’t should take property from any Virgin Islander- Hon Fraser
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader and Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA says the ongoing issue regarding Ellis Thomas Downs must be properly addressed at the level of the Premier.