News
USVI Washington DC Official Reflects on Milestones and Looks Ahead to a Transformative 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Teri Helenese, the United States Virgin Islands’ Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative, enters the new year with a powerful message of hope and progress for Virgin Islanders. After a year of significant accomplishments in 2024, Helenese reaffirms her commitment to advancing the interests of the USVI on the national stage, with a renewed focus on collaboration, sustainability and equity.
Reflecting on 2024, Helenese noted the strides made in strengthening climate resilience, advocating for equitable federal policies, and driving economic development. Among her notable achievements were the successful launch of disaster preparedness briefings across the islands and securing federal funding for advanced energy stabilization systems to mitigate interruptions in the USVI’s power supply.
She also championed vital initiatives to sustain the rum cover-over program, which remains a critical pillar of the Territory’s financial health. Collaboration and communication in the 119th Congress are central to this effort. Working with the Washington lobbyists and the rum cover-over working group, Helenese will continue to advocate for legislative vehicles that prioritize tax extenders and recognize the transformative impact of the rum cover-over program.
“This past year has been a testament to the resilience and determination of the Virgin Islands community,” Helenese said. “We’ve made meaningful progress, and as we usher in 2025, I am optimistic about what lies ahead. Our work is far from over, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for policies and initiatives that uplift our people and strengthen our islands.”
Helenese spearheaded the USVI’s recent partnership with NASA, paving the way for historic space artifacts, including an Apollo Command Module, to be displayed at libraries in St. Croix and St. Thomas. The initiative is designed to inspire the next generation of Virgin Islanders to pursue careers in STEM fields, fostering innovation and ambition among the Territory’s youth.
Economic revitalization also took center stage in 2024, with Helenese championing efforts to attract responsible investment and advocating for the safe and sustainable reopening of the St. Croix Refinery. “The refinery represents an opportunity to restore economic vitality to our community, but it must be balanced with environmental protections,” she emphasized.
Helenese’s advocacy extended beyond economic and environmental concerns to issues of justice and equality. She remained a vocal proponent for the reversal of the Insular Cases, calling them a “stain on the principles of democracy” and pushing for equitable treatment for all U.S. territories.
As the USVI enters 2025, Helenese is optimistic about the region’s future. She underscored the importance of collaboration with regional partners, particularly CARICOM, to foster shared prosperity and economic stability.
“Looking ahead, 2025 is a year brimming with opportunity. From advancing climate resilience to strengthening our economic foundation, we have the tools and determination to make a transformative impact,” Helenese said. “Together, we will continue to build a future that ensures the health, prosperity and unity of the Virgin Islands.”
Helenese thanked the people of the USVI for their unwavering support and pledged to remain a tireless advocate on their behalf. “None of this would be possible without the strength and resilience of our community,” she said. “With your blessings, we will make 2025 a year of progress, prosperity, and promise for all Virgin Islanders.”
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
