$25M REVENUE INCREASE ATTRIBUTED IN PART TO ADVANCEMENTS IN TAX COLLECTION & E-SERVICES

Premier Natalio Wheatley has announced a revenue projection of $407.93 million for the British Virgin Islands in 2025, a marked increase over the estimated $382.67 million for 2024.  During his recent budget address, Premier Wheatley highlighted that $379.89 million of the projected 2025 revenue would come from tax sources, including payroll, property, and international trade … Continued

EDUCATION GETS $5.27M FOR PROJECTS IN 2025, BUT BROADER BUDGET DETAILS OMITTED

In his Budget Address delivered on November 11, Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to education in the British Virgin Islands, outlining both achievements from 2024 and future plans aimed at strengthening the Territory’s educational infrastructure. In the 2025 budget, over $5.2 million has been earmarked for critical capital acquisition … Continued

“CLIMATE FINANCE IS NOT CHARITY”: SIMON STIELL URGES GLOBAL ACTION AT COP29 IN BAKU

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell delivered an impassioned call for unity and decisive action at the opening of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, emphasizing the urgency of achieving ambitious outcomes to combat the climate crisis. Stiell began by acknowledging the transition from the Emirati presidency to Azerbaijan’s President Babayev, … Continued

HISTORIAN DAVID OLUSOGA EXPLORES CONDITIONAL CITIZENSHIP AND THE LASTING IMPACT OF THE WINDRUSH

During the recently concluded BVI Lit Fest, acclaimed historian David Olusoga delivered a compelling lecture titled Being & Belonging. The lecture explored themes of citizenship and identity in the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories, drawing critical insights from the Windrush scandal and broader issues surrounding British nationality laws. Olusoga provided a detailed examination of … Continued

NHI PAYS $121M TO TOP PROVIDERS OVER 5 YEARS; HEALTH MINISTER RESPONDS TO CONCERNS

In a recent House of Assembly session, Deputy Speaker and At-Large Representative Hon. Stacy Mather posed a question to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent Wheatley regarding expenditures on healthcare through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Mather specifically requested the names and cumulative amounts paid to the top five local healthcare partners … Continued

DOUGHTY MEETS WITH LOCAL LEADERS TO ASSESS REFORM EFFORTS FOLLOWING COI

The Right Honourable Stephen Doughty, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories, is visiting the Virgin Islands from November 4 to 6, 2024. Doughty’s visit focuses on assessing the territory’s progress in implementing governance reforms and financial transparency measures in response to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations. During … Continued

MOH OBSERVES #MEDSAFETYWEEK, ENCOURAGES SAFE MEDICINE USE AND REPORTING OF SIDE EFFECTS

The Ministry of Health and Social Development, in partnership with the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is promoting the safe use of medicines as part of #MedSafetyWeek, which is observed from November 4 to 10. This year’s campaign theme highlights the importance of correct medicine usage to prevent adverse effects … Continued

BVIEC RESTORES ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL AFTER CYBER-ATTACK

The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has reactivated its online payment portal today, Monday, November 4, 2024. This welcomed development will allow customers to once again pay their electricity bills online, offering more convenience for many. The portal had been offline since mid-August, when the BVIEC experienced a cyber-attack that necessitated shutting down its online services … Continued

DDM WARNS OF HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING RISKS FOR BVI

Residents across the British Virgin Islands are being urged to prepare for potential flooding as forecasters warn of heavy rainfall that could dump up to eight inches of rain over the Territory. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) issued a release on Wednesday afternoon, warning of deteriorating conditions beginning Thursday and lasting through the weekend. … Continued

PREMIER EYES NOVEMBER 1ST COMPLETION FOR BREWERS BAY RESTROOM FACILITY

Responding to questions from Second District Representative Honourable Melvin Turnbull, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley addressed the House of Assembly on the status of the Brewers Bay Restrooms and Waste Water Management Facility. Premier Wheatley noted ongoing technical issues with the facility’s electrical connection delaying its opening, a matter he said would be resolved … Continued