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Mugshots of the two individuals charged in connection with the drug bust in East End, Tortola.
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Major drug bust in East End, Tortola

A major police operation in East End, Tortola, has resulted in the seizure of over 547 kilograms of suspected cocaine, a prohibited firearm, and ammunition. Two individuals, including a 26-year-old woman, have been charged in connection with the discovery.

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Perline Scatliffe-Leonard, NDP candidate, speaking at a press conference.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

NDP Candidate Raises Concerns Over VIP's Spending Habits

Perline Scatliffe-Leonard, the National Democratic Party's candidate for the Seventh District, has expressed concerns that the Virgin Islands Party government's spending habits may leave little money for the next administration. Scatliffe-Leonard questioned the government's financial planning, describing its spending as haphazard.

A man speaking at a BVI event.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

Commentator Rejects UK Parliament Representation for BVI

A local political commentator has spoken out against proposals for the British Virgin Islands to have a stronger voice in the UK parliament. Instead, the territory should focus on gaining greater autonomy and strengthening its relationship with the UK and other countries.

A desk with a calculator, a small stack of coins, and notebooks, overlooking a tropical beach scene. — Virgin Islands context illustration; not the reported event.
Illustration · Vital · Virgin Islands Today
Business

BVI and Hong Kong Sign Financial Services Agreement

The BVI government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong to strengthen financial services cooperation and expand market access for local businesses. The agreement pairs the BVI's Ministry of Financial Services with Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.

A police car on a tropical island road. — Virgin Islands context illustration; not the reported event.
Illustration · Vital · Virgin Islands Today
Government

USVI Homicide Count Reaches 46

A woman was fatally shot on St. Croix, bringing the USVI homicide count to 46.

A conference table with a microphone, featuring the US and Cuban flags in a meeting room overlooking a tropical island. — Virgin Islands context illustration; not the reported event.
Illustration · Vital · Virgin Islands Today
Government

Caribbean Countries Divided on US Embargo Against Cuba

The US embargo against Cuba has sparked division among Caribbean countries. In a recent UN vote, seven countries supported a resolution calling for the embargo's removal, while Trinidad and Tobago voted against it.

Logo for the BVI Lit Fest
Photo: BVI News Union
Culture

BVI Lit Fest 2026 to Host Caribbean Literary Event

The British Virgin Islands will host a 4-day literary festival from November 5 to 8, 2026. The BVI Lit Fest 2026 will bring together authors, poets, publishers, and readers for conversation, performance, and celebration.

Rosemary Rosan, Independent At-Large candidate.
Photo: BVI News Union · Guavaberry Media
Government

Candidate Urges Community to Support Mental Health

Independent At-Large candidate Rosemary Rosan is calling on the community to show compassion and respect for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This comes after a video circulated of a young woman in crisis. Rosan stressed that mental health crises should not be treated as entertainment or opportunities for public judgment.

A group of people, including basketball players in jerseys, posing together on a basketball court with a trophy.
Photo: BVI News Union
Sports

East Basketball Club Withdraws from VG Summer Jam League

East Basketball Club has withdrawn from the VG Summer Jam League after its players were stranded on Virgin Gorda on October 24, 2026. The club received an apology from the Virgin Gorda Basketball Club and the Virgin Gorda Summer Jam Committee but deemed it insufficient.

A large white luxury cruise ship sailing on calm blue waters under a clear sky.
Photo: BVI News Union
Business

BVI Welcomes Start of 2026/27 Cruise Season

The British Virgin Islands has officially begun its new cruise season with the inaugural call of Oceania Vista, a luxury vessel. The ship received a warm welcome from Junior Minister for Tourism Luce D. Hodge-Smith and representatives of the BVI Tourist Board and Ports Authority.

Education Minister Sharie deCastro
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

Education Minister Seeks Additional Funding

The proposed $79 million education budget for 2027 is insufficient, according to Education Minister Sharie deCastro. DeCastro plans to request more funds during the Standing Finance Committee deliberations.

A portrait of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley standing in front of flags.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

Premier Wheatley Attends Commonwealth Meeting

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting, which runs from November 1 to 4, brings together leaders from 56 Commonwealth member states.

Members of the British Virgin Islands remote-control drag racing team posing with their RC cars.
Photo: BVI News Union
Sports

BVI Remote-Control Drag Racers Claim Podium Finish

The British Virgin Islands' remote-control drag racing team has achieved a podium finish at a Caribbean competition in Antigua and Barbuda. On October 31, 2026, the team competed against racers from several islands at the Northsound International Raceway. Ivan B. Smith, also known as 'Junie', was the team's top performer, finishing third overall and posting the fastest elapsed time of 1.2079 seconds. This time was the second-quickest RC drag racing time recorded in Antigua. The team's success reflects the growing skill and enthusiasm for the sport in the BVI.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Headquarters.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

RVIPF Criticized for Lack of Transparency on Crimes

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is facing criticism for its lack of information on recent crimes. Despite asking the public for help, the police have not provided sufficient details on incidents such as armed robberies in Duffs Bottom and Fish Bay.

A man in a black hoodie being escorted by law enforcement during an arrest or transport.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

Fugitive from St Thomas Captured in Dominica, Returned to USVI

A 46-year-old St Thomas man has been apprehended in Dominica and returned to the US Virgin Islands. The man, Jahi Grant, was wanted on 12 charges, including possession of an unlicensed machine gun and drug offenses.

Professionals standing in front of a FATF Week banner.
Photo: BVI News Union
Business

VI Advances in Implementing FATF Action Plan

The Virgin Islands has made progress in strengthening its defenses against money laundering and terrorist financing. Following the FATF Plenary in Paris, the Territory remains under increased monitoring but has shown substantial movement on key commitments.

Natalio D. Wheatley in April 2022. File photograph.
Photo: VI News Union · PMO Barbados
Government

Premier Suggests NDP Should Face Human Rights Commission Over Water Issues

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has suggested the former National Democratic Party administration should be taken to the Human Rights Commission over long-standing water problems. The Premier made the comment during a heated exchange with Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn in the House of Assembly.

Smoke rising from a landfill on a hillside near a body of water.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

Health Minister Apologizes for Pockwood Pond Smoke

Health Minister Vincent Wheatley has apologized to residents of the First District for the persistent smoke from the Pockwood Pond landfill. Wheatley acknowledged the suffering of residents and announced plans to test a new method to tackle the problem.

Mugshots of the two individuals charged in connection with the drug bust in East End, Tortola.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

Major drug bust in East End, Tortola

A major police operation in East End, Tortola, has resulted in the seizure of over 547 kilograms of suspected cocaine, a prohibited firearm, and ammunition. Two individuals, including a 26-year-old woman, have been charged in connection with the discovery.

A blue terminal building on a concrete pier next to a body of water, with a lush green hillside in the background.
Photo: BVI News Union
Government

International Ferry Arrivals Redirected to West End Terminal

International ferry passengers will disembark at the West End Ferry Terminal from November 1 to 5, due to maintenance works at the Road Town Jetty. The BVI Ports Authority is performing essential health, safety, and preventative maintenance works.