JTV Channel 55

06/01/2026

ADVERTISEMENT: BVI Airports Authority, British Virgin Islands

05/01/2026

Spring Bay Beach Reopens on Virgin Gorda, Offering Welcome Relief and Renewed Access

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands—Spring Bay National Park has officially reopened to the public following significant structural upgrades and renovations carried out by the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI), marking a positive start to the New Year for residents and visitors alike.

In an announcement issued on December 31, 2025, the NPTVI confirmed that the popular beach destination is now accessible after works aimed at improving safety, visitor comfort, and long-term resilience. The project included upgraded walkways, enhanced drainage systems, and reinforced infrastructure designed to better withstand stronger storms and evolving weather patterns.

According to the Trust, the improvements were undertaken to reduce erosion, protect the surrounding natural landscape, and ensure safer access throughout the park. The upgrades also reflect NPTVI’s ongoing commitment to adapting national parks to climate challenges while preserving the natural beauty and visitor experience that make Spring Bay a treasured location.

The reopening has been warmly welcomed by community-minded residents, many of whom have been patiently awaiting the return of public access to the beach. Spring Bay is widely regarded as a calmer, more spacious alternative to The Baths National Park, located just nearby. In recent years, residents and repeat visitors have increasingly voiced concern about the heavy congestion at The Baths, particularly on cruise ship days, when large visitor volumes can overwhelm the site. Some have described the scenes as unpleasant and “sickening,” underscoring the need for balanced use of Virgin Gorda’s natural attractions.

Against that backdrop, Spring Bay’s return to full operation is being seen as both timely and necessary — offering relief to overcrowded areas while restoring access to a beloved coastal space known for its clear waters, sweeping sands, and dramatic granite boulders.

As the Territory continues to promote sustainable tourism, the National Parks Trust is encouraging the public to enjoy the renewed park responsibly and to help care for the space so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

With its reopening, Spring Bay once again stands as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful stewardship, community access, and preserving the quiet beauty that defines Virgin Gorda.

04/01/2026

Turnbull Calls for Calm, Reflects on Democracy Amid Reports of Unrest in Venezuela

Member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, has called for restraint and respect for democratic principles following military activity and political unrest in Caracas, Venezuela.

In a Facebook post on Sunday morning, January 4, 2026, Turnbull responded to international reports of military strikes in the Venezuelan capital, including the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. He noted that while details were still emerging, the situation was serious and warranted close attention.

Turnbull says he is concern about the potential implications for democracy, peace, and stability, not only for Venezuela but for the wider Caribbean, Latin America, and the global community. He stressed that developments in the region inevitably have broader consequences.

The Opposition Member also expressed sympathy for families affected by violence and uncertainty, mourning any loss of life and offering prayers for those displaced or living in fear.

Calling for restraint, Turnbull urges respect for international law and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy, warning that violence only deepens suffering and division. He says peace remains essential to preserving human life, dignity, and democratic values.

Melvin Mitch Turnbull appeals for calm and unity at what he describes as a critical moment, emphasising that cooperation and wisdom must prevail over force.

04/01/2026

UK Reaffirms Position on Venezuela as Regional Crisis Escalates

The Office of the Governor, Virgin Islands, has shared recent statements from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer KCP KC MP and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper MP regarding the rapidly unfolding situation in Venezuela, where dramatic events over the weekend have drawn global attention.

In a series of social media posts, Prime Minister Starmer reiterated the United Kingdom’s long-standing policy of supporting a democratic transition in Venezuela and rejecting the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s presidency. He emphasised the UK’s commitment to international law and confirmed that the government would engage with international partners, including the United States, “in the days ahead” to seek a peaceful path forward that reflects the aspirations of the Venezuelan people.

Foreign Secretary Cooper echoed these sentiments while updating travel guidance to advise against all travel to Venezuela, citing rapidly deteriorating security conditions. She reiterated that the focus must remain on achieving democratic change without bloodshed.

These statements come amid extraordinary developments on the ground in Venezuela, where the United States has conducted a large-scale military operation involving bombings in and around Caracas, the capital, and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, transporting them to the United States to face federal charges. The strikes reportedly included multiple explosions in Caracas and other regions, prompting Venezuela’s government to condemn the attacks as a “military aggression” and declare a state of emergency.

The seizure of Maduro — who faces U.S. indictments on allegations including narco-terrorism and conspiracy — marks an unprecedented escalation following years of sanctions, mounting pressure, and diplomatic opposition to his administration by Washington. The U.S. President has publicly stated that Washington will play a role in Venezuela’s transition period.

The international reaction has been mixed. Some governments and opposition leaders welcomed the potential end of Maduro’s rule, while others condemned the U.S. military action as a breach of international law and a dangerous precedent for global norms.

Prime Minister Starmer’s government has clarified that the UK was not involved in the U.S. strikes and is seeking factual clarity before further comment on the military action, even as it maintains its call for a peaceful and lawful transition.

This rapidly evolving situation continues to have significant implications for regional security, international law, and the humanitarian condition in Venezuela — factors underscored by UK officials in their latest public statements.

04/01/2026

The Important Conversations - CTL Home Center Commits More To Support VI Elite Athletics

04/01/2026

Airspace Reopens as FAA Lifts Restrictions; Flights Resume Across USVI

Air travel across the northeastern Caribbean returned to normal today January 4, 2026, after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially lifted flight restrictions affecting the United States Virgin Islands, allowing commercial and regional flights to resume operations.

According to an early-morning update issued by the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), both Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix are open for normal operations as of Sunday.

The lifting of restrictions clears the way for the resumption of regional and international air traffic following Saturday’s unexpected airspace closure, which caused widespread flight cancellations and delays across the Caribbean and the U.S. mainland.

VIPA confirmed that regional carriers Fly the Whale and Cape Air began operating scheduled flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix from as early as 7:00 a.m. today. In addition, commercial airlines providing service between the United States mainland and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also returned to operation.

While flights are once again moving, authorities are urging travelers to exercise caution.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to contact their airlines directly to confirm flight schedules before heading to the airport, as adjustments and delays may still be in effect.

The temporary airspace restrictions were implemented by the FAA as a precautionary safety measure and were not linked to any direct threat within the U.S. Virgin Islands. Officials have indicated that the situation has stabilized, allowing for the safe resumption of air traffic.

The reopening of airspace comes at a critical time during the peak winter travel season and is expected to ease travel disruptions for residents, visitors, and businesses throughout the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean.

Passengers are advised to remain alert to official airline communications and airport updates as normal operations continue to be fully restored.

04/01/2026

District 6 Declared “Not a Dumping Ground” as Walwyn Demands Accountability and Enforcement

Leader of the Opposition and Representative for the Sixth District, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, has issued a strong warning to residents, businesses, and waste haulers following continued illegal dumping of bulk waste at green bins, particularly in the Freebottom and Purcell Estate areas.

In a public Facebook statement that has since sparked widespread discussion, Walwyn made it clear that District 6 will no longer tolerate the misuse of community waste facilities.

“District 6, particularly the Purcell Estate and Freebottom areas, is not a dumping ground for anyone,” Walwyn stated. “Those who are doing this, you know who you are — STOP IT!”

According to the Opposition Leader, green bins are intended strictly for domestic household waste, yet they are routinely being overwhelmed with bulk items such as appliances, construction debris, and commercial refuse—materials that are legally required to be transported to the Pockwood Pond landfill.

Businesses and Contractors Implicated

Walwyn was particularly pointed in identifying businesses and contracted haulers as a significant part of the problem. He revealed that some trucking operators, paid by businesses to dispose of bulk waste properly, are instead illegally dumping that waste at green bins to avoid the longer trip to Pockwood Pond.

“Many trucks who get jobs from businesses to take bulk waste to Pockwood Pond are dumping it at the green bins instead,” Walwyn explained. “This is unacceptable.”

He also noted that businesses routinely dispose of large volumes of cardboard boxes and commercial waste in residential bins, displacing household use and accelerating overflow conditions that blight surrounding communities.

Temporary Solutions Ignored, Abuse Continued

In an effort to assist residents during the Christmas season, Walwyn personally facilitated the placement of three large red bulk-waste bins in strategic locations—Purcell Estate, Baughers Bay, and Belle Vue. These bins were sponsored by a local District 6 business and provided residents with a rare, accessible opportunity to dispose of large household items legally and responsibly.

Despite this intervention, the bins were removed after the holiday period, and illegal dumping quickly resumed.

Walwyn rejected the notion that access is the primary excuse.

“People would lift up a fridge and bring it there?” he said bluntly. “They need to take their bulk waste to Pockwood Pond.”

Freebottom Dump Closure Honoured — But Problem Persists

The Representative also confirmed that his request to close the informal dump area at the entrance of Freebottom was honoured months ago, with physical barriers installed to prevent continued abuse. However, despite these efforts and close collaboration with the Solid Waste Department, illegal dumping persists.

“The Solid Waste Department has been working closely with me to sort the issue out,” Walwyn said, “but some residents of the Territory must respect our home more and keep it clean.”

Call for Tougher Laws and Enforcement

Walwyn is now calling for stronger legislation, stricter enforcement, and increased supervision, stressing that public appeals alone are no longer sufficient.

His message is unequivocal: personal convenience, commercial profit, and contractor shortcuts cannot continue at the expense of community health, environmental standards, and national pride.

As the issue escalates, the spotlight is firmly on individual responsibility, business ethics, and government enforcement. District 6, Walwyn insists, will not shoulder the burden of others’ disregard.

The warning has been issued. The patience, it seems, has run out.

03/01/2026

FURTHER UPDATE: BVIAA Says All U.S.-Territory Flights Cancelled as Airspace Restrictions Widen

The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) has issued a further travel alert confirming that all flights operating to and from U.S. Territories have been cancelled for today, Saturday, January 3, 2026, as regional airspace restrictions continue to affect Caribbean operations.

According to the Authority, Cape Air has cancelled all flights to and from San Juan and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, while InterCaribbean Airways has cancelled all services to and from San Juan. American Airlines has also cancelled all flights to and from Miami, replacing earlier reports of delays.

The BVIAA said that, at this time, flight schedules to non-U.S. destinations are not affected, though the situation remains fluid. Passengers are being strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding flight status and the resumption of services to U.S. Territories.

Airport officials said they will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

PREVIOUS UPDATE:

UPDATE: BVIAA Confirms Multiple U.S.-Linked Flight Cancellations and Delays

The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) has issued a further flight information update confirming significant cancellations and delays affecting U.S.-linked services today, as regional airspace restrictions continue to impact Caribbean operations.

According to the Authority, all Cape Air flights to San Juan and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, have been cancelled, along with all InterCaribbean Airways flights to San Juan. American Airlines is also reporting widespread disruption, with several arriving flights cancelled, others delayed, and at least two arrivals still awaiting updated status. On the departure side, multiple American Airlines flights have been cancelled, while others are operating with delays.

The BVIAA said non-U.S. flight schedules are not currently affected by cancellations, though passengers should remain alert as conditions remain fluid. Airport officials continue to urge travelers to contact their airlines directly for the most accurate flight information and to confirm schedules before traveling to the airport, warning that changes may occur with limited notice.

The Authority said it remains in close coordination with airline partners and aviation stakeholders as airlines adjust operations in response to ongoing regional airspace restrictions tied to broader security developments in the Caribbean.

03/01/2026

The BVI Airports Authority is advising the traveling public of current regional airspace restrictions resulting from a notice issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The BVI Airports Authority is advising the traveling public of current regional airspace restrictions resulting from a notice issued by the Federal Aviation ...

03/01/2026

BREAKING: Caribbean Air Travel Disrupted Amid U.S.–Venezuela Conflict; BVI Airports Warn of Flight Delays and Cancellations

The BVI Airports Authority has issued a travel alert warning that flight operations to and from the Virgin Islands may face delays, diversions, rescheduling, or cancellations due to regional airspace restrictions affecting the Caribbean. This advisory follows a notice from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) targeting U.S.-registered aircraft and U.S.-based carriers operating within the Caribbean region.

The Authority emphasized that these restrictions are beyond its control and are managed directly by the airlines in compliance with regulatory requirements. Passengers are urged to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight status and to confirm travel plans prior to arriving at the airport, as schedules may change with little notice.

This warning comes amid widespread disruption across Caribbean and northern South American airspace caused by the recent U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Following overnight explosions and heightened military activity, the FAA and other regional aviation authorities have issued emergency notices advising airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace due to safety risks.

As a result, commercial flights connecting North America, the Caribbean, and South America are being rerouted or suspended, lengthening travel times and causing congestion in alternate corridors. U.S. carriers including JetBlue, United, Delta, and American Airlines have all modified or canceled flights that would normally cross near Venezuelan airspace, with many offering fee waivers for passengers seeking to change plans without penalty.

Major Caribbean hubs such as San Juan (Puerto Rico), Curaçao, Aruba, and Trinidad & Tobago are experiencing heavier air traffic as airlines divert flights around restricted zones, raising concerns about delays and overcrowding. Meanwhile, Venezuelan airports, including Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, face operational challenges due to power outages and security measures tied to the ongoing conflict.

Thousands of travelers, both tourists and residents, are reported to be stranded or struggling to find alternate routes out of Venezuela and the wider region. Travel operators warn that the disruption may extend beyond flights, impacting cruise itineraries and broader tourism activity across the Caribbean.

The BVI Airports Authority said it remains in close communication with airline partners and aviation stakeholders and will continue providing updates as the situation develops. The authority reaffirmed that passenger safety remains its highest priority during this period of uncertainty.

As the U.S.–Venezuela confrontation continues to unfold, Caribbean air travel officials and airlines face growing challenges in managing flight operations safely and efficiently amid rapidly changing airspace restrictions and security concerns.

03/01/2026

The United States has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is under indictment on federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, formally asserting that the Venezuelan leader faces criminal prosecution in U.S. courts.

The United States has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is under indictment on federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, formal ...

03/01/2026

BREAKING: Venezuela Signals Resistance After U.S. Strikes, Demands Proof of Life for Maduro and First Lady

Venezuela’s government on this morning Saturday January 3, 2026, signaled it is preparing to resist what it called a “military aggression” by the United States, as uncertainty deepened over the fate of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores following overnight U.S. strikes and claims by Washington that the couple had been captured.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, speaking publicly as tensions escalated, said Venezuelan authorities have no confirmation of Maduro’s whereabouts and formally demanded that the United States provide proof that the president and first lady are alive, calling the silence from Washington “deeply alarming.” Rodríguez said the government and the Venezuelan people have the right to know the condition and location of their leaders amid what she described as a foreign military assault.

Her remarks came hours after explosions rocked Caracas and other parts of the country, plunging some neighborhoods into darkness and prompting reports of casualties among officials, military personnel, and civilians. U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a large-scale strike and captured Maduro, flying him out of Venezuela, though independent confirmation has not been provided.

Venezuela’s defense leadership has since ordered nationwide military deployments and heightened alert levels, moves officials say are intended to defend the country against further attacks. Government statements framed the U.S. action as an act of war and a direct violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, signaling that Caracas is not treating the operation as a limited incident but as a broader confrontation.

The call for proof of life has intensified pressure on Washington, as Venezuelan officials insist that claims of capture without evidence raise serious humanitarian and legal concerns. Rodríguez warned that Venezuela “will not remain silent or passive” while its elected leadership is allegedly detained abroad, reinforcing the government’s message that it is prepared to confront what it views as external aggression.

U.S. officials and allies have pointed to long-standing criminal charges against Maduro as justification for the operation. The Venezuelan president has been indicted in the United States on drug-trafficking and narco-terrorism charges dating back to 2020, accusations he has consistently denied as politically motivated. Those charges, however, have never before been enforced through overt military action inside Venezuela.

As of now, there has been no public release of images, video, or other proof confirming Maduro’s capture or condition, and Venezuelan state media has not acknowledged his detention. International reaction is building, with regional governments closely watching developments amid fears of wider instability.

The situation remains fluid, with Venezuela’s demand for proof of life and its mobilization of forces underscoring the risk of further escalation in the hours ahead.