RSS Feed https://vinews.org The airlines opposing SkyCity’s proposed $1.2 billion redevelopment of the Virgin Islands’ two commercial airports put a fuller price tag on their alternative Thursday, saying the phased plan they have previously described as roughly $390 million in capital improvements would have an estimated all-in value of approximately $785 million. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:41:17 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/airlines-put-785m-price-on-alternative-airport-plan-detail-case-against-skycity https://vinews.org/posts/airlines-put-785m-price-on-alternative-airport-plan-detail-case-against-skycity A proposal to transform two Subbase parcels into a food court for mobile vendors and emerging culinary businesses drew broad support from lawmakers, who advanced a 20-year lease that anticipates approximately $500,000 in property investment and annual rent of $12,000. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:34:09 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/lawmakers-back-20-year-lease-for-500000-food-yard-project-in-st-thomas-subbase https://vinews.org/posts/lawmakers-back-20-year-lease-for-500000-food-yard-project-in-st-thomas-subbase The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John as primary natural disaster areas because of prolonged drought, making eligible Virgin Islands farmers and agricultural producers able to apply for federal emergency loans to recover from qualifying losses. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:32:03 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/usda-approves-drought-disaster-declaration-for-usvi-opening-emergency-loans-to-farmers https://vinews.org/posts/usda-approves-drought-disaster-declaration-for-usvi-opening-emergency-loans-to-farmers Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:46:00 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/charlemagnes-seek-dismissal-of-federal-fraud-case-say-hud-publicity-tainted-jury-pool https://vinews.org/posts/charlemagnes-seek-dismissal-of-federal-fraud-case-say-hud-publicity-tainted-jury-pool The V.I. Taxicab Commission is asking lawmakers to increase its fiscal year 2027 budget to approximately $1.5 million, saying its approved $554,637 operating budget is insufficient to adequately staff the agency, expand enforcement, improve collections and replace outdated paper-based systems. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:38:29 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/two-new-taxi-inspectors-issue-53-citations-as-commission-seeks-1m-more-for-enforcement-and-technology https://vinews.org/posts/two-new-taxi-inspectors-issue-53-citations-as-commission-seeks-1m-more-for-enforcement-and-technology The St. Thomas-St. John District Commission of the V.I. Historic Preservation Commission advanced preliminary plans for a three-story apartment complex at 45-46 Prinsens Gade last week while also approving structural, solar and fencing work at Crown House, demolition of a deteriorating retaining wall at Electra House and installation of a roof-access ladder at 48B Norre Gade. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:36:40 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/three-story-prinsens-gade-apartment-plan-advances-historic-board-approves-three-other-st-thomas-projects https://vinews.org/posts/three-story-prinsens-gade-apartment-plan-advances-historic-board-approves-three-other-st-thomas-projects Nearly 700 people participated in the second annual Innovative Housing Construction Summit held across St. Thomas and St. Croix, reflecting strong demand for affordable homeownership opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:34:55 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/nearly-700-attend-innovative-housing-construction-summit-focused-on-homeownership https://vinews.org/posts/nearly-700-attend-innovative-housing-construction-summit-focused-on-homeownership The BVI has honoured its Commonwealth Games athletes, with record-breaking sprinter Adaejah Hodge receiving special recognition for her historic gold-medal performance in Glasgow. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:35:24 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/bvi-honours-hodge-after-historic-commonwealth-games-win https://vinews.org/posts/bvi-honours-hodge-after-historic-commonwealth-games-win The Virgin Islands’ public hospitals face mounting debt, unpaid employee withholdings and delayed government allotments as they seek nearly $192 million in combined fiscal year 2027 operating budgets. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:39:57 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/public-hospitals-questioned-on-mounting-debt-billing-issues-in-2027-budget-hearing https://vinews.org/posts/public-hospitals-questioned-on-mounting-debt-billing-issues-in-2027-budget-hearing The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority presented a $316.7 million fiscal year 2027 operating budget Wednesday as senators questioned officials over recurring outages, aging equipment and the utility’s financial condition. Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:49:12 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/wapa-questioned-on-outages-aging-equipment-and-debt-in-fy-2027-budget-hearing https://vinews.org/posts/wapa-questioned-on-outages-aging-equipment-and-debt-in-fy-2027-budget-hearing Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:47:17 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/senate-approves-temporary-law-enforcement-integration-plan-to-boost-police-manpower-and-fight-violent-crime https://vinews.org/posts/senate-approves-temporary-law-enforcement-integration-plan-to-boost-police-manpower-and-fight-violent-crime Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:45:00 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/plaskett-and-potter-win-democratic-primary-as-turnout-reaches-4775-percent https://vinews.org/posts/plaskett-and-potter-win-democratic-primary-as-turnout-reaches-4775-percent The BVI Chamber of Commerce (BVICOC) has called on the government to extend temporary business and cost-of-living relief measures until the end of the year, arguing that worsening global economic conditions continue to place significant strain on businesses and consumers across the territory. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:48:35 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/govt-should-extend-business-relief-measures-bvicoc https://vinews.org/posts/govt-should-extend-business-relief-measures-bvicoc Registered Democratic voters across the Virgin Islands will select the party’s candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, delegate to Congress, the 36th Legislature and other offices when the territory holds its 2026 Primary Election on Saturday, August 1. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:12:28 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/primary-election-is-saturday-where-to-vote-whats-on-the-ballot-and-what-voters-need-to-know https://vinews.org/posts/primary-election-is-saturday-where-to-vote-whats-on-the-ballot-and-what-voters-need-to-know As housing costs rise and food insecurity continues to affect communities across New York, Virgin Islander Tu’shouney Phillips is helping meet an immediate need by providing free meals and water to unhoused residents while working toward long-term solutions through his nonprofit, Guardians and Gardeners. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:54:19 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/beyond-the-headlines-virgin-islander-brings-food-hope-to-new-yorkers-through-nonprofit https://vinews.org/posts/beyond-the-headlines-virgin-islander-brings-food-hope-to-new-yorkers-through-nonprofit Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:53:24 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/bryan-reveals-officer-charles-was-blocked-and-ambushed-leaving-home-several-arrests-made-as-governor-calls-for-death-penalty https://vinews.org/posts/bryan-reveals-officer-charles-was-blocked-and-ambushed-leaving-home-several-arrests-made-as-governor-calls-for-death-penalty The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is seeking the public’s help to locate Taheem Jarvis, 24, who is actively wanted in connection with a felony Kidnapping and Domestic Violence investigation. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:01:29 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/vipd-re-issues-wanted-alert-for-st-croix-man-sought-in-kidnapping-domestic-violence-case https://vinews.org/posts/vipd-re-issues-wanted-alert-for-st-croix-man-sought-in-kidnapping-domestic-violence-case The Virgin Islands Senate postponed a vote Tuesday on a racetrack and gaming bill, scheduling August hearings amid disputes over St. Croix’s 10-year wait and Southland Gaming’s long-term gaming provisions. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:59:35 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/senate-pushes-racetrack-gaming-bill-to-august-hearing-in-special-session https://vinews.org/posts/senate-pushes-racetrack-gaming-bill-to-august-hearing-in-special-session The territory’s two public hospitals will move forward with a phased workforce reduction plan intended to cut personnel expenses by 10 percent at both facilities, beginning with position consolidation, resource sharing and a review of vacant posts before management considers employee separations. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:57:45 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/jfl-and-schneider-confirm-workforce-reductions-as-hospitals-target-10-cut-in-personnel-costs https://vinews.org/posts/jfl-and-schneider-confirm-workforce-reductions-as-hospitals-target-10-cut-in-personnel-costs Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has dismissed suggestions that a cabinet reshuffle would improve his government’s performance, arguing instead that the British Virgin Islands’ governance structure is the real obstacle to delivering on the administration’s agenda. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:53:17 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/cabinet-reshuffle-wont-solve-governance-problems https://vinews.org/posts/cabinet-reshuffle-wont-solve-governance-problems The Virgin Islands Police Department Major Crime Unit has launched a homicide investigation after a 61-year-old man was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside a residence in Estate Wintberg on Monday evening. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:51:15 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/61-year-old-man-found-shot-to-death-in-wintberg-residence-vipd-launch-major-crime-investigation https://vinews.org/posts/61-year-old-man-found-shot-to-death-in-wintberg-residence-vipd-launch-major-crime-investigation Two St. Croix men were under arrest Tuesday for separate alleged gun crimes. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:49:09 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/fake-victim-accidentally-shot-himself-police-say https://vinews.org/posts/fake-victim-accidentally-shot-himself-police-say ST. THOMAS — U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has intensified the Trump administration’s public criticism of the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, declaring that the agency has wasted federal money while the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud elevated HUD’s ongoing investigation as a matter involving “massive potential fraud.” Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:45:21 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/theres-trouble-in-paradise-hud-secretary-escalates-rhetoric-against-vihfa-as-white-house-fraud-task-force-enters-matter https://vinews.org/posts/theres-trouble-in-paradise-hud-secretary-escalates-rhetoric-against-vihfa-as-white-house-fraud-task-force-enters-matter Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has accused politicians of attempting to manipulate residents of Jost Van Dyke through what he described as political pandering, arguing that the territory’s real challenge lies in the structure of government rather than creating additional electoral districts. Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:42:59 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/politicians-trying-to-manipulate-jvd-and-anegada-residents https://vinews.org/posts/politicians-trying-to-manipulate-jvd-and-anegada-residents What if these delicate beauties are really deceitful posers? Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:59:34 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/native-flowers-cheat-pollinators-out-of-rewards https://vinews.org/posts/native-flowers-cheat-pollinators-out-of-rewards Candidates vying for the Democratic nomination as Lieutenant Governor faced tough, policy-based questions during Sunday night’s debate hosted by the Virgin Islands Consortium and WTJX. From the beginning, Rodney Moorhead and Senators Milton Potter and Novelle Francis were asked to put meat on the bones of their various pledges and promises to the people of the Virgin Islands. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:57:24 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/lieutenant-governor-debate-presses-potter-on-lack-of-epstein-hearings-francis-on-compensation-report-and-moorhead-on-school-leadership https://vinews.org/posts/lieutenant-governor-debate-presses-potter-on-lack-of-epstein-hearings-francis-on-compensation-report-and-moorhead-on-school-leadership Local dancehall and pop artiste Monéa Richardson says she was left disappointed after she was allegedly overlooked for this year’s Tortola Festival lineup, despite expressing a willingness to perform with a cleaner, less explicit set following her recent decision to recommit her life to Christianity. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:55:18 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/monea-finds-support-amid-alleged-snub-from-bvi-festival-organisers https://vinews.org/posts/monea-finds-support-amid-alleged-snub-from-bvi-festival-organisers The St. Croix Home Depot was treated like an open-air appliance warehouse on Monday, July 13, 2026, when two separate grand larceny incidents unfolded just over an hour apart. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:18:13 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/direct-from-dockets-home-depot-hit-twice-in-one-afternoon-two-st-croix-men-arrested-after-police-chase-traffic-stop https://vinews.org/posts/direct-from-dockets-home-depot-hit-twice-in-one-afternoon-two-st-croix-men-arrested-after-police-chase-traffic-stop The Historic Preservation Committee voted Tuesday to continue plans to modify the Legislature’s generator enclosure near Legislative Circle while approving, with conditions, a proposal to renovate the historic Morris F. deCastro Clinic into a rehabilitation center. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:15:06 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/historic-preservation-committee-continues-legislature-generator-proposal-approves-morris-f-decastro-clinic-renovations https://vinews.org/posts/historic-preservation-committee-continues-legislature-generator-proposal-approves-morris-f-decastro-clinic-renovations The V.I. Police Department is investigating the death of a four-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot wound Thursday evening, with the Major Crime Unit working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:01:35 GMT https://vinews.org/posts/four-year-old-boy-dies-from-gunshot-wound-on-st-croix-major-crime-unit-investigating https://vinews.org/posts/four-year-old-boy-dies-from-gunshot-wound-on-st-croix-major-crime-unit-investigating