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May 9th, 2025
UPDATE: Hon Stacy R. Mather ousted; Dr the Hon Karl Dawson new Deputy Speaker

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Just as first and accurately reported on May 8, 2025, by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) has been made the new Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, replacing Opposition Member Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), who held the position since May 18, 2023.

May 8th, 2025
Zaharebelnyj & Baird emerged as top archers of 2025 NASP Nationals

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- After a full day of shooting among more than 40 archers from 7 schools, Valentin Zaharebelnyj of Ciboney Centre for Excellence and Kasadiyah Baird of BVI Seventh-day Adventist School emerged the overall winners of the 2025 National Archery in the Schools Programme (NASP) Nationals held at A.O. Shirley Grounds on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

May 8th, 2025
Vatican elects first American pope

VATICAN CITY, Rome, Italy- White smoke has emerged from the chimney in the Vatican, which means a new pope has been elected. The new Pope is Robert Francis Prevost - the first American pope.

May 8th, 2025
Medical school may lease up to 50% of Joe's Hill Manor Estate- SSB

JOES HILL, Tortola, VI- On Monday, April 28, 2025 the Social Security Board (SSB) and Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) executed the Heads of Terms agreement, outlining the medical school’s occupancy of the Joe’s Hill Manor Estate (JHME), a story first reported by our News Centre on April 30, 2025.

May 8th, 2025
VI seeking maximum authority in constitutional talks with UK- Premier Wheatley

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands intends to pursue “the maximum amount of authority possible” in the upcoming constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom (UK).

May 8th, 2025
Foreign Language Immersive Extravaganza starts today

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will host a two-day Foreign Language Immersive Extravaganza beginning today, Thursday, May 8, to Friday, May 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM.

May 8th, 2025
RVIPF officers reportedly reject 'intrusive' vetting process

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Information reaching our news centre is that officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) are unhappy with recent changes surrounding the new vetting process currently being undertaken by a United Kingdom (UK) team.

May 7th, 2025
22-year-old charged in relation to recent nightclub shooting incident

FREE BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- A young man has been arrested, as the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continue their investigation into a shooting incident that occurred during the early hours of Monday, April 28, 2025, outside a popular nightclub in the Free Bottom area.

May 7th, 2025
US Border Patrol releases photos of Erick Rabsatt’s arrest

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- US Border Patrol, in sending a strong message that they will continue to bring violators of the law to justice, released photos of fugitive Erick Rabsatt, who was wanted for murder in the Virgin Islands.

May 7th, 2025
Skills pay the bills! ‘It’s time to stop looking down on TVET’- Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI— Stereotypes surrounding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) were confronted on TVET Day, observed on May 6, 2025, at the New Testament Church of God Church Hall, in Baughers Bay, Tortola, under the theme “Skills Pay the Bills: TVET for a Thriving VI Economy.”

May 7th, 2025
NDP should formally cut ties with breakaway members— Skelton-Cline

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI— Radio personality and Pastor Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has issued a blunt warning to opposition parties in the Virgin Islands to ‘get their houses in order soon or they can forget about forming the next government.’

May 7th, 2025
Census delay blocking vital aid for VI- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has reiterated calls for the urgent completion of the Virgin Islands’ national census, lamenting that the lack of updated population data is significantly hindering the Territory’s access to critical international aid and development resources.

May 7th, 2025
Norwegian Aqua commemorates visit to VI

WICKHAM’S CAY I, Tortola, VI – The Territory commemorated the visit of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua with a plaque exchange ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, held onboard the vessel while berthed at the cruise pier in Road Harbour, Tortola.

May 7th, 2025
VI must commit to fostering a society where ageing is celebrated, not feared- Premier

CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said the Virgin Islands (VI) would not be what we know it is today without the senior citizens.

May 6th, 2025
TAG’s Thank You, Mom Car Sales Event a ‘resounding success’

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Thank You, Mom Car Sales Event hosted by Tortola Auto Group (TAG) on May 3, 2025, has been hailed as a remarkable success, exceeding expectations in both turnout and customer engagement.

May 6th, 2025
5-year driver’s licences coming; Medical checkups required @ age 80- Hon Rymer

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Virgin Islands’ transportation architecture is slated for an upgrade, according to Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), who has announced proposed changes to the Road Traffic Act, with a focus on embracing technology and extending the validity of driver’s licences.

May 6th, 2025
USVI Governor urges conflict resolution after fatal Carnival Weekend shootings

VI CONSORTIUM

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- Following the violent end to Carnival weekend on St Thomas, where three people were shot – two fatally – in less than 24 hours, Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr once again spoke of the necessity of helping young male Virgin Islanders develop better conflict resolution skills.

May 6th, 2025
There’s a ‘possibility’ new NDP could form next gov’t- Hon Skelton

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- The Opposition stands a better chance of forming a government if they run under the umbrella of one political party.

May 6th, 2025
Rehab of R.T. O’Neal Admin Complex projected for 2026/27 completion

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— More than $10 million has been committed to the rehabilitation of Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, with approximately $8 million already spent. The new completion timeline is now set for either 2026 or 2027, the latest.

May 6th, 2025
Centenarians are 'living legacies'- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- The Territory’s centenarians have been called “living legacies” as the 36th annual Senior Citizens Month is celebrated this month.

May 5th, 2025
VI swimmers capture 57 medals @ VISF Swim C/ships in St Croix

CHRISTIANSTED, St Croix, USVI- The twelve young swimmers from the BVI Barracudas Swim Club captured a total of 57 medals at the Virgin Islands Swimming Federation (VISF) Long Course Championships in St Croix from May 3 to 4, 2025.

May 5th, 2025
Red Cross Week being observed

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The British Virgin Islands Red Cross (BVIRC) is observing Red Cross Week from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, 2025.

May 5th, 2025
‘Highly Noted’ saved the day for VI @ Carnival Races in USVI

ESTATE BOVONI, St Thomas, USVI- While most of the focus was on whether Tortola’s Ghostinyou would repeat as Governor’s Cup champion at the Carnival Races at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands on Friday, May 2, 2025, the many horse racing fans from the Virgin Islands who attended the races were given an early reason to celebrate.

May 5th, 2025
Trade Ministry focused on reducing 'bureaucracy that exists' - Hon Lorna G. Smith

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Financial Services, Trade and Economic Development Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has reassured that she is working through her ministry to ease the burden of doing business in the Virgin Islands (VI).

May 5th, 2025
I have a 'sacred duty' to advocate for seniors- Hon Turnbull

CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- Representative for the Second District Hon Melvin M. Turnbull has said he has been called to advocate on behalf of the senior citizens of the Virgin Islands (VI).

May 5th, 2025
UK regulator ASSI blasted for ‘tone-deaf, heavy-handed’ airport restrictions

BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI— The United Kingdom’s Air Safety Support International (ASSI) is being accused of imposing regulations in the Virgin Islands that are culturally tone-deaf, economically burdensome, and executed without sufficient local consultation.

May 4th, 2025
2 new books by local farmers to be launched this week

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands’ cultural and literary landscape will see the launch of two new books by local farmers this week.

May 4th, 2025
'With great power...comes great responsibility'- Gov Pruce to local media

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- "Here in the Virgin Islands, there is a vibrant digital media ecosystem. With great power – as communicators, commentators and content creators - comes great responsibility."

May 4th, 2025
Deadly shooting forces shutdown of STT Carnival Village

VI CONSORTIUM

CHARLOTTE AMALIE- A man was fatally shot Just after midnight on Sunday, May 4, 2025, —effectively late Saturday night — in the restroom of the Fort Christian Parking Lot, bringing a tragic and abrupt end to the final night of Village activities during this year’s St Thomas Carnival in the US Virgin Islands.

May 4th, 2025
48 students participating in National Archery in the Schools Tournament 2025

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Under brilliant sunshine, 48 archers from 8 schools are taking part in the 2025 National Archery in the Schools Programme (NASP) Tournament in progress at A. O. Shirley Grounds in Road Town, Tortola.

May 4th, 2025
5.63 magnitude earthquake rocks VI

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Many persons were shaken out of their sleep early this morning, Sunday, May 4, 2025, when an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.63 occurred.

May 3rd, 2025
Laugh Out Loud Saturday on tonight

FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- Laugh Out Loud Saturday takes place tonight, May 3, 2025, where three comedians will take to the stage in hopes of making patrons laugh out loud.

May 3rd, 2025
VG food pantry now has locally grown fresh produce

VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- District Nine Representative Hon Vincent O. Wheatley is teaming up with local farmers to supply his district office’s food pantry with fresh locally grown produce.

May 3rd, 2025
USVI: Haitian woman detained in STX dies in ICE custody

VI CONSORTIUM

POMPANO BEACH, Florida, USA- A 44-year-old Haitian woman being held in a Florida detention facility has died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency reported earlier this week.

May 3rd, 2025
Don’t get lost in labels, we must defend what is ours- Troy E. Christopher

BAUGHER'S BAY, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands (VI) and its people have been recognised internationally, “as a people and a grouping that has a right—a right to decide for themselves their future, their survival, their lifestyle.”

May 3rd, 2025
Merger of BVIEC & W&SD approved by Cabinet- Hon Rymer

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), has announced the formation of a new statutory body—the Virgin Islands Energy and Water Company —through the merger of the Territory’s water and electricity utilities.

May 3rd, 2025
King Dollar sits secure on his throne

By Dickson C. Igwe

OK. The USA guarantees the world a market that soaks up global economic production and output. That has been the narrative from the end of the Second World War in 1945.

May 2nd, 2025
Ghostinyou 2nd in race for Governor's Cup

ESTATE BOVONI, Tortola, VI- 2024 Governor’s Cup champion Ghostinyou of Tortola ran a gutsy race and, for a moment, looked set to successfully defend its title; however, it was not to be.

May 2nd, 2025
Amnesty period for vehicle removal at TB Lettsome International Airport parking lot

TRELLIS BAY, Beef Islands, VI- The BVI Airports Authority (the Authority) is notifying the public of an Amnesty Program
now in effect for vehicles currently parked at the Terrance B. Lettsome International
Airport.

May 2nd, 2025
Business Case received for airport expansion project

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- KPMG has delivered the Greenbook Business Case on the airport expansion project for the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport.

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