2003: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

JANUARY

CM SAYS PROVISIONS IN PLACE FOR CONTINUATION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS

Although the 2003 budget has not yet been approved, provisions are in place for the continuation of capital projects, according to Chief Minister and Minister of Finance the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal. Speaking during his press conference on Monday, his first for the year, he discounted criticisms of the government for not yet presenting the year-end fiscal package.

BERNICE FARRINGTON REMEMBERED

The family, many friends, former co-workers and those persons with whom she laboured are remembering the life of a very special lady Bernice Sesilee Farrington. Mrs. Farrington, born on February 23rd 1937, passed away December 31st, 2002 after a bout of illness. A thanksgiving service was held at the Road Town Methodist Church on Saturday January 11th, followed by interment at the church cemetery.

BVI BAR ASSOCIATION HONOURS PAST PRESIDENTS

The BVI Bar Association held a dinner at The Moorings last Friday evening (January 17th) in honour of its past presidents.

NDP RE-LAUNCHES MICHEAL THOMAS IN 3RD ELECTORAL DISTRICT

The opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) on Saturday night (January 18th) officially launched young businessman Micheal Thomas as another candidate to contest the 2003 general elections. Mr. Thomas, who will contest the 3rd District seat, was presented during a party rally held at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cow's Bay. This will be his second attempt to enter the Legislative Council, having lost in 1999 to incumbent Honourable Julian Fraser, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communications and Works.

FEBRUARY COPPERMINE TO BE HANDED OVER AS NATIONAL PARK

The Coppermine Ruins on Virgin Gorda will be officially handed over to the National Parks Trust during a ceremony being organized for Friday March 28th, 2003. Minister for Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable Reeial George recalled that Executive Council, in 1998, approved that the site be declared a National Park. The area measures 31.93 acres and will become the 20th national park in the British Virgin Islands.

MARCH ELEVEN CASES LISTED FOR MARCH CRIMINAL ASSIZES

Her Lordship Justice Suzie D’Auvergne is presiding over the March Criminal Assizes, which opened here Tuesday. Among the eleven cases down for hearing was that for American Michael Spicer, who is charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in relation to the McMillen murder trial. The crown successfully requested that the matter be traversed to the October assizes, since a decision for a related case is now being awaited from the Privy Council.

24-HOUR CHRISTIAN RADIO STATION OPENS IN THE BVI

Station owner of ZKING, Mr. Alric Corea, has been commended by the government for taking this “bold and courageous step” in opening up the new 24-hour Christian radio station. The station, which has been in its testing stage since late last year, was officially commissioned on Friday February 28th.

APRIL HON. ALVIN CHRISTOPHER ACCEPTED AS NDP MEMBER

Another historic day in the political life of the Virgin Islands on Thursday March 27th, 2003 as the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) accepts into its membership the Honourable J. Alvin Christopher, Representative for District 2, whose appointment as Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Communications and Works was revoked in May 2002.

SEWERAGE PROBLEMS IN EAST END/LONG LOOK & ROAD TOWN BEING REMEDIED

Work on the sewerage systems in East End/Long Look and Road Town will begin shortly, following government’s signing of a $1,168,767 contract with Berger-CBE (BVI) limited on April 4th.

WILLIAM LABRADOR WALKS FREE

William Labrador, 39, of Southampton, New York, USA, walked out of Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut, Tortola Monday evening (April 7th, 2003) a free man, after spending 1179 days in confinement. Labrador was convicted in May 2001 of the murder of Lois Livingstone McMillen, a 34-year-old artist from Middlebury, Connecticut, USA, whose body washed ashore along the Drake’s Highway in West End on January 15th, 2000.

2003 BUDGET PASSED ON APRIL 11TH

Debate on the merits and principles of the Bill entitled Appropriation Act 2003 took two days, April 10th-11th, but at the end of the day, despite the six nay votes from the opposition, the budget was passed in the Legislative Council.

MARGARET PENN WINS WRONGFUL DISMISSAL CASE AGAINST PORTS

Former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Mrs. Margaret Penn has won her wrongful dismissal case against the Authority, in a judgment that by far exceeds any such damages ever awarded to an employee in the BVI. The trial took place at the Court House in Road Town, Tortola during November 2002, when judgment was reserved until it was delivered last month. High Court Judge The Honourable Madame Justice Suzie d’Auvergne handed down judgment in her favour in a sum of $208,027.93 damages, reduced by $35,732.47 which the Authority had already paid, making a net sum of $172,295.46 damages, plus legal costs of $34,844.32, resulting in a judgment for $207,139.78.

MAY JUNE 16TH IS THE DATE FOR GENERAL ELECTIONS IN THE BVI

His Excellency the Governor Thomas Macan, after consultation with the Chief Minister and the Supervisor of Elections and mindful of the need to meet the timetable laid down in the Elections Act, has announced the date of Monday June 16th for the staging of general elections in the British Virgin Islands.

QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE TO BE DEMOLISHED

After 37 years and a quarter years, the old Queen Elizabeth II Bridge linking Tortola and Beef Island is coming down. The bridge was declared open with pomp and ceremony by Her Majesty the Queen during her first visit to the territory on February 23rd, 1966 and operated until last year when a new bridge was commissioned. A $115, 000 contract to demolish the bridge was signed between the government and Triple L Heavy Equipment and Sewerage Disposal Services Ltd. during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon (May 21st).

CITCO LAYS OFF 15 EMPLOYEES

Citco BVI on Friday (May 23rd) laid off 15 workers, citing declining world economic conditions.

JEAN MICHEL COUSTEAU NAMED BVI AMBASSADOR

In a historic moment for the BVI last Thursday May 22nd, Chief Minister and Minister responsible for Tourism Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal signed a partnership agreement with marine advocate and founder of Ocean Futures Society Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau.

JUNE 33 CANDIDATES TO CONTEST 2003 GENERAL ELECTIONS

A total of 33 candidates have officially been nominated to contest the June 16th, 2003 general elections in the BVI. Nomination Day was Monday June 2nd.

MINISTER SIGNS 2003 FISHERIES REGULATIONS INTO EFFECT

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable Reeial George on Friday June 6th, 2003 signed the 2003 Fisheries Regulations into effect. It was in 1997 that the landmark Fisheries Act No. 4 was passed by the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands. The Act revised the Fisheries Ordinance (Cap 54) and made provision in a comprehensive way for the promotion, management and conservation of fisheries and fisheries resources and other matters connected therewith.

UPDATE ON ANEGADA LANDS

A number of persons on Anegada received titles for lands during a presentation ceremony on June 5th.

BANCO POPULAR BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW BUILDING

By October of next year, customers of Banco Popular should be doing business in spanking new facilities on Wichkam's Cay 1 in Road Town. The bank held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Tortola branch and central office facilities last Friday June 13th.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY SWORN IN AS NEW BVI GOVERNMENT

It was a ceremony with a difference as the new Ministers for the 15th Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands were sworn in during a ceremony at the Central Administration complex on Tuesday (June 17th) around 4:30pm. As per the programme of the day, the Governor administered the oaths of allegiance by the various Ministers Chief Minister Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Deputy Chief Minister Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Paul P. Wattley, Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Lloyd Black and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. J. Alvin Christopher. The backbenchers will be Hon. Eileene Lucia Parsons, Dr. the Hon. Kedrick Pickering and Hon. Delores Christopher, while the Members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition will be Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Hon. Julian Fraser, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Hon. Omar Hodge and Hon. Andrew Fahie.

99 GRADUATE FROM HLSCC IN 2003

The President’s award for the full time student with the highest cumulative grade point average for 2003 went to Ethlyn Lawrence, while the award for the part time student went to Adel Karen Clyne. Kareem Hull received the award for outstanding performance in general studies, Bernicia M. Herbert - the business administration award and Telisa Ishakara Lynch received the award for outstanding performance in natural sciences. These were some of the top performances honoured on June 12th as the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College held its 10th graduation exercises at the Paraquita Bay campus.

ELECTIONS SUPERVISOR EXPLAINS BALLOT COUNTING DISCREPANCIES

Adjustments made to the counting sheets do not affect the overall final standings of the candidates in the June 16th general elections, it was announced here last Friday (June 20th), according to Supervisor of Elections Ms. Juliette Penn. In a press release, she reported that it was drawn to her attention on 19th June by the Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party Mr. Carvin Malone, that there appeared to be certain discrepancies in the reported figures for the Territorial balloting in the 3rd and 5th districts, where the overall total of votes cast was higher than possible given the number of ballots recorded.

NEW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES REBRANDING OF FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR

The new National Democratic Party (NDP) government has emphasized the importance of the financial services sector and the contribution it makes to the British Virgin Islands. Speaking in his first official function as Chief Minister, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith pointed out that the financial services industry is crucial to the BVI economy, representing over 50% of government revenues.

MRS. EDRIS O’NEAL GETS OBE

Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Director of the BVI Red Cross Mrs. Edris O’Neal to the rank of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire or OBE, for her services to the community. The announcement was made by BVI Governor His Excellency Thomas Macan on Saturday June 14th, as the BVI observed the Queen’s birthday with a parade at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.

C&W AMBASSADOR COURTNEY WALSH VISITS THE BVI

“Developing a Winning Attitude” was the subject for discussion during this month’s (June 25th) monthly general luncheon meeting hosted by the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA). And who better to talk about that than Mr. Courtney Walsh of Jamaica, the world’s leading test wicket taker. Walsh retired from West Indies cricket April 23rd, 2001, after bowling 5,004.1 overs, taking 519 wickets in 132 Tests at an average of 24.45 with a best of 7-37.

BVI HIGH GRADUATES 161

With the usual pomp and circumstance, the BVI High School graduated 161 students during a ceremony at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Thursday June 26th.

ATTORNEY GENERAL DENIES VIP DEMAND FOR RECOUNT OF TERRITORIAL BALLOTS

Attorney General Honourable Cherno Jallow said Tuesday (July 1st) he has found no sound basis for mounting a petition before the High Court for a recount of the Territorial ballots from the June 16th, 2003 general elections. He was responding to a request by the Virgin Islands Party Territorial candidates, Mrs. Irene Penn-O’Neal, Mr. Reeial George, Mr. Roy Pickering and Mr. Elvis Harrigan, who wrote to the Attorney General in a letter dated June 26th, asking that he “immediately act in the best interest of the public by demanding a legal and timely recount…thus ensuring the issuance of a true and correct ‘Final Report’ of the results of the Territorial At Large constituency”.

JULY BVI GETS FIRST FEMALE SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

History was made in more ways than one in the BVI on Thursday July 10th, 2003, when the 15th Legislative Council appointed the territory’s first female Speaker in Mrs. Vivian Inez Archibald. Members also appointed Territorial At Large Representative the Honourable Eileene L. Parsons as the first female Deputy Speaker.

GOV. MACAN DELIVERS THRONE SPEECH AT 1ST SITTING OF 15TH LEGCO

The Legislative agenda for the new National Democratic Party (NDP) government is an ambitious one, but with God’s grace and the support of the people, it would be brought to fruition. Those words from His Excellency Governor Thomas Macan as he delivered the Speech from the Throne on Thursday July 10th at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, during the 1st sitting of the 1st session of the 15th Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands.

VIP RECOUNT CASE BEGINS

Preliminary arguments began on Thursday afternoon in the opposition Virgin Islands Party’s recount case. The case came up for hearing in the High Court Tuesday morning (July 15th).

9TH DISTRICT REP. PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CAPT. IRA SMITH

The late Captain Ira Smith of Anegada was laid to rest Friday (July 25th), one week after he passed away at the age of 92 years.

CHINESE IMMIGRANTS DENIED ASYLUM

In a landmark case here in the BVI, government has decided not to grant asylum to two illegal Chinese immigrants who have been living here for the past three years. Chen Yijun and Wu Hui Fung arrived in the territory from China around the 28th of September 2000. They were among a group reportedly fleeing to the United States Virgin Islands, when their boat ran into problems and they were left on the island of Great Camanoe. The couple applied for refugee status in the BVI and after some months, they were officially served with separate documents, Wu on July 9th and Chen on the 11th, informing them that their applications were denied.

JUDGE DECIDES IN VIP RECOUNT CASE

Justice Hugh Rawlins kept a promise Wednesday (July 23rd) to hand down a decision in the High Court case where the opposition Virgin Islands Party is demanding a recount of the Territorial and 5th District ballots from the June 16th, 2003 general elections. Justice Rawlins agreed that failure to comply with the provision to offer security on behalf of every petitioner is fatal and sufficient ground to strike out the petition. He also stated that according to law, a vote is only valid if it’s made with a cross; he agreed that the Returning Officer should be joined as a respondent if his conduct is in question and since this was not done what remains of the petition he said cannot stand and he agreed that the petition on its face must disclose reasonable cause of action against some respondent, which this didn’t, hence he declared the petition a nullity. In terms of the isolated votes contested, Justice Rawlins declared that they were not valid under the statute and regarding the spoilt ballots, he said the only one in question would not change the result of the election in District 5. On these grounds, he dismissed the claim of Ethlyn Smith against Delores Christopher. And on the claim of Irene Penn-O’Neal and Reeial George against Paul Wattley and Eileene Parsons, Justice Rawlins agreed that it is required that a single petition should be instituted against every member whose election is challenged. This was not done in this instance and on this ground, he said the VIP’s claim also fails.

AUGUST GOVERNMENT DISCUSSES PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF HOSPITAL

The National Democratic Party government said Monday (July 28th) that work on the hospital annex should begin within 4-8 weeks and be completed within 12-15 months. “Quality health care service in the BVI is of top priority for my government (and) as such, the construction of a new hospital is a paramount project,” said Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith during his first press conference since his party was elected to office June 16th, 2003.

BVI FESTIVAL 2003

The calypso king, Professor Melody, retained his crown and there’s a new calypso queen in Glama Gurl and a new Ms. BVI in Dian Sanderson.

NEW FISHERIES LEGISLATION IN EFFECT

Minister of Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable J. Alvin Christopher has signed the instrument bringing into force new fisheries regulations here in the BVI, effective August 15th, 2003. The legislation was gazetted one day prior. Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Mr. Bertrand Lettsome says the BVI now has the legal instrument that will facilitate the proper management and development of our fishing industry.

SEPTEMBER MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF USVI SPORTS FISHERMEN

On Friday 1st August 2003, Minister of Natural Resources and Labour Honourable J. Alvin Christopher held a meeting with a delegation from the USVI, led by Mr. George Goodwin of the Governor’s Office. “The main concern of the USVI delegation was continued access to the BVI Fishing Grounds by USVI Sport and Please fishermen,” reported Minister Christopher to the Legislative Council. “Issues raised included access to information on the new fisheries regulations, licensing and registration procedures, USVI based tournament fishing in BVI waters and customs clearance in and out of the BVI for fishing vessels.” He said his delegation outlined government’s policy and licensing and registration procedures. They presented the USVI delegation with copies of the 1997 Fisheries Act and the 2003 Fisheries Regulations. In addition, copies of a synopsis of the licensing and registration procedures and fees were also presented.

JANICE GEORGE CREQUE SWORN IN AS EC SUPREME COURT JUDGE

On Wednesday September 3rd, 2003, Mrs., Janice George-Creque was sworn in as a Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. This is the first time in local history that a BV Islander has been appointed to such a significant and prestigious position in the region. Members of the Legislative Council used the opportunity during the August 28th Legislative Council to pay tribute to Mrs. George-Creque, her parents and extended family who hail from the island of Virgin Gorda.

LOCAL ATTORNEY IS NEW CLERK OF LEGCO

BV Islander Mr. Deniston Fraser was assigned to the post of Clerk of the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands effective September 1st, 2003. Speaker of the House, Honourable V. Inez Archibald announced that there would be a new Clerk during the last LegCo sitting held August 28th, as she paid tribute to Acting Clerk Mrs. Oleanvine Maynard for her contribution to Council over the years.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESCINDS “RASTA LAW”

The controversial “Rasta law” is no more. The new National Democratic Party (NDP) government removed the prohibition during the Executive Council meeting of Wednesday August 27th, 2003, according to Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith. On October 1st, 1999, a resolution was debated and passed in favour of revocation of Section 23 (1) of the Immigration and Passport Order. That section prohibited the class of persons commonly known as Rastafarians and hippies from entering the territory. “I’m pleased to report Madam Speaker that Executive Council took the decision yesterday to revoke Section 23 (1) of the…Order, thereby lifting the ban on the entry of Rastafarians and hippies into the territory without receiving prior special permission,” he told the House.

POLICE INVESTIGATE ANOTHER ARMED ROBBERY

Police are investigating yet another armed robbery that occurred on September 5th in Purcell Estate. The complainant reported that the men pushed him down onto his bed and tied his hands and feet with a piece of rope and then reached into his pants pocket and removed his wallet, which contained $1500, ransacked the room and left. Police are appealing to the community to bring forth any information they may have regarding this crime. Should you have information, please contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 468-0911.

OCTOBER OCTOBER CRIMINAL ASSIZES UNDERWAY

November 3rd has been set as the trial date for the airport telecommunications contract case implicating three former government employees and two businessmen. The date was set on Tuesday 7th at the opening of the October criminal assizes in the High Court of Justice, being presided over by His Lordship Justice Hugh A. Rawlins. Seventeen persons were arraigned on a total of 28 charges. They all pleaded not guilty.

ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL (ANGLICAN) CHURCH REDEDICATED

The St. George’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church held its rededication thanksgiving service at the newly renovated sanctuary on Main Street on Sunday October 5th, 2003. The ceremony was officiated by The Most Rev. and Hon. Orland Lindsay, OJ, DD, Archbishop of the West Indies (retired). Among the many members and guests were Members of the Legislative Council and Ministers of Religion from other denominations.

CHIEF MINISTER REVIEWS NDP’S FIRST 100 DAYS

Thirteen young BV Islanders to receive training in health care, a salary increase for public servants, the signing of a contract for the completion of the airport runway, the development of the beach at Brandywine Bay, the development of a new national agricultural policy and the appointment of an Economic Recovery Committee. These were some of the features of an address to the territory on Sunday October 5th by Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith. The address, simulcast on radio and television, reviewed the first 100 days (September 24th) of service by his National Democratic Party (NDP), which was swept to power 8-5 versus the Virgin Islands Party in June 16th, 2003 general elections.

GUANA ISLAND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROGRAMME

An international team of scientists, led by Dr. James Lazell, President of the Rhode Island USA based Conservation Agency, has completed a month of research on Guana Island. Every year in October, Guana Island hosts a scientific research programme. Scientists are invited to the island to conduct their studies in the areas of natural history, ecology, conservation biology, systematics and biogeography. Their results are relevant to natural resource preservation and species conservation in the BVI.

MAN KILLED IN MIDNIGHT SHOOTING

20 October: police rush to Frenchman’s Cay. A man is met lying in blood on the road at the bridge. The dead man is later identified as 29-year-old Dion Woods of St. Thoms.

NOVEMBER AIRPORT CONSPIRACY TRIAL OPENED

The airport conspiracy trial began on Tuesday (November 4th) with legal arguments from defense and prosecution lawyers.

9TH CARIBBEAN RASTAFARI CONFERENCE IN BVI

The BVI Rastafari Turtle Dove Deliverance Organization is hosting the 9th Caribbean Rastafari Organization (CRO) conference at the East End/Long Look Community Centre November 1-8, 2003.

LEGISLATOR BEING INVESTIGATED FOR ALLEGED MONEY LAUNDERING

Former Minister of Education and Culture, now opposition Member of the Legislative Council Honourable Andrew Fahie has denied any wrongdoing in connection with allegations that he is being investigated for money laundering with respect to the airport telecommunications contract conspiracy trial. He spoke to reporters during a break at the November 6th sitting of the Legislative Council. A report published in the international finance newsletter Offshore Alert (issue 81 released October 31st, 2003), published by KYC News, Inc., Miami Florida, said a United States federal court has granted a request for judicial assistance regarding a criminal investigation into Mr. Fahie, 33, and his banking officer wife Sheila, 36. “The Fahies are suspected of helping to launder tens of thousands of dollars gained through theft and fraud involving a government contract to build a new terminal and lengthen the runway at the renamed Terrance B. Lettsome Airport at Beef Island,” according to an MLAT request at the U.S District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

MINISTER OF NR&L DISCUSS WAY FORWARD FOR ANEGADA LANDS ISSUE

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is now closer to taking to Executive Council a reworked proposal for a compensation package for Anegadians. For years, the Ministry has tried to resolve the many lad issues on Anegada using several approaches. The two main outstanding issues are the compensation for walls in the airport and a development plan for the island. “With these two concerns in mind, on Monday October 13th, I took with me members of my staff from the Ministry and the Survey department to discuss with Anegadians how they wanted the government to approach the development of the island as well as to advise them of the decision taken by Executive Council on 4th June concerning compensation for the walls,” Minister the Honourable J. Alvin Christopher said at the November 6th sitting of the Legislative Council. Anegadians from as far as New York attended the meeting and they raised a number of concerns and made several suggestions.

BERTON SMITH TRIAL IN THE HIGH COURT

The trial against former Head of the government’s Telephone Services Management Unit Mr. Berton Smith is underway in the High Court. The trial opened Monday morning (November 10th) before Mr. Justice Hugh Rawlins and a mixed 9-member jury. Smith is facing a five-count indictment of 1 count of conspiracy to extort by a public officer and 4 counts procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception.

NAIL BAY DEVELOPERS URGED TO COMPLY WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

The National Democratic Party (NDP) government has a keen interest in ensuring that development projects in the territory are executed in a just and fair manner and in accordance with the full requirements of the laws, it has been announced here. Minister of Natural Resources the Honourable J. Alvin Christopher made the statement on Thursday November 6th during the 7th sitting of the Legislative Council.

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE CAUSES MAJOR FLOODING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

The government of the BVI continues to assess the damage from the persistent heavy rains that plagued the territory since November 8th. Inclement weather disrupted life in the territory as a strong tropical disturbance affected the islands, bringing heavy persistent rains daily, clearing some only early this week. The Department of Disaster Management reported 6.1 inches of rain up to Sunday. Several roads, including the main road into Ballast Bay/Cane Garden Bay, Belle Vue and Paraquita Bay were blocked with mud, debris and fallen trees for some time, causing traffic to back up for hours as residents tried to get home after work last Friday (November 14th). Some roads were also undermined and motorists are asked to continue to exercise caution. Severe flooding occurred in the Pasea Estate area in the vicinity of Riteway supermarket and also around the Wickham's Cay roundabout, adding to the traffic congestion and causing significant damage to several Main Street businesses. Water levels rose to the bonnet level of vehicles in these areas, stalling some cars as they tried to drive through the flood. Crews from the Public Works Department, with help from many private individuals, worked tirelessly to clear blocked ghuts and drains throughout the territory and by late Friday evening, much of the roads were cleared. Schools throughout the territory were also affected and classes had to be called off for over a week. Particularly hard hit was the BVI High School, which reported over saturated grounds. A number of events were also postponed due to the inclement weather, including the BUY BVI trade Show, scheduled for November 14th and 15th. The venue, the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, was reported to be flooded rendering it unusable. Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith said he and his Ministers had surveyed the damage, put a damage assessment team together and they were scheduled to report on the initial damage this week. Leader of the Opposition the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal also commended ev have the opposition’s support in the restoration effort.

AUTOPSY PERFORMED

According to the Police Information Office, on November 20, 2003, Pathologist Dr. Francisco Landron of Puerto Rico conducted a post mortem examination on the decomposed body that was found in the Horse Path area on November 19, 2003. The post mortem revealed that death was due to stab wounds to the stomach and chest area. It is confirmed that the body is that of Clara Natasha Jno-Baptiste who was reported missing on November 9, 2003.

DECEMBER DARWIN INITIATIVE BIODIVERSITY PROJECT ON ANEGADA

The first week in December has seen the launch of an exciting new project to assess the biodiversity of Anegada. The main focus of the project will be the mapping of the distribution of the many special plants, birds and sea turtles that call Anegada home.

BVI STAMP CATALOGUE WINS 2nd INTERNATIONAL GOLD MEDAL

The Specialised Stamp Catalogue of the BVI edited by Dr. Giorgio Migliavacca wins a gold medal award at the International Philatelic Literature Expo Temex held in Buenos Aires (9-13 Dec.) This is the first time in philatelic history that a publication from the English-speaking Caribbean has won two International Gold Medals. Prior to Temex the Catalogue had won a gold medal at StampShow, (Atlantic City, 2002); at Bangkok 2003 the Catalogue received a Vermeil Medal.

FORMER CHIEF LIBRARIANS HONOURED

Four former Chief Librarians and the founder of the BVI Public Library were honoured 7 December, at a commemorative luncheon. The event was part of this year's celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Library Services in the Territory. Keynote speaker, Deputy Governor Elton Georges reminisced about the Library in the 1950s and 1960s. He also spoke of his first visit to the Library when he was an 11 year old student, and Miss Yvonne McKetney's professional and kind assistance and encouragement made a lasting impression on him. He also had words of praise for her successors, Mrs. Verna Penn-Moll (1965-1986), Mr. Peter Moll (1986-88), Mrs. Bernadine Louis (1988-1999) and encouraged the entire community to support its Library Services.

CHIEF MINISTER ADDRESSES STAFF OF THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COMPLEX

Government has pledged to implement immediate steps to address growing concerns about the air quality in the Central Administration Complex and the potential health risks to employees working in the building. Chief Minister Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith and three of his Ministers, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance, Health and Welfare Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton; Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Paul P. Wattley and Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Lloyd K. Black, met with the workers on Tuesday, December 16, 2003.

NEW GOVERNMENT PRESENTS $198m BUDGET FOR 2004

The 6-month old National Democratic Party (NDP) government presented a $198,443,000 budget for 2004 on December 22, 2003. Minister of Finance and Economic Development the Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton delivered the address, during the 8th Sitting of the 1st Session of the 15th Legislative Council, held at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall. The draft budget estimates put expenditure to cover the recurrent operations for the government for 2004 at $186,562,500, with a recurrent surplus therefore of $11,880,500. With respect to the fiscal situation for 2003, the Finance Minister pointed out that revenue collection has been less than anticipated across just about all revenue heads. “Despite this shortfall, it is estimated that on the last day of business in 2003, government would have collected $180,600,000 in revenue and expended $174,900,000, for a provisional surplus on its operations of $5,700,000,” he declared. The Standing Finance Committee is scheduled to meet January 5th, 2004 to begin the process of examining the estimates. A date for debating the budget will be announced shortly.