PREMIER CALLS FOR POPULATION GROWTH TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC AND LABOUR NEEDS IN BVI

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley recently outlined the need for the British Virgin Islands to grow its population in order to meet its economic aspirations, emphasizing that migration would play a central role in this growth. At a press conference, Wheatley stressed that the territory’s future economic success depends on expanding its workforce to … Continued

HODGE-SMITH TO LEAD $500K TERRITORY-WIDE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT

The Government of the Virgin Islands has addressed longstanding public concerns about the territory’s visual appeal and lack of aesthetic upkeep by empowering the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) with a $500,000 grant for a beautification project. The initiative will be led by Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, the Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4). In … Continued

CLOSURES AT RIDGE ROAD, LITTLE DIX, AND MORE EXPECTED TO CAUSE DELAYS

The Ministry of Communications and Works has updated the public on ongoing roadworks and closures across the territory, affecting key thoroughfares. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, as delays and detours are expected. Minister for Communications and Works the Honourable Kye Rymer provided updates on some areas, giving the public a more detailed overview of … Continued

FAHIE TRANSFERRED TO GEORGIA PRISON – JOINS POPULATION AT MEDIUM SECURITY FCI

Former Premier of the Virgin Islands, Andrew Fahie, has been relocated to the Federal Correctional Institution in Jesup, Georgia, where he continues to serve an 11-year sentence. Previously held in Miami, Florida, following his sentencing in August, Fahie is continuing to appeal his conviction through the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals. His release date … Continued

BOAT ACCIDENT NEAR SABA ROCK CLAIMS ONE LIFE

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that a boating accident in the area of Saba Rock on the night of November 22, 2024, has tragically resulted in the death of one male. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and are working to determine the cause of the … Continued

ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED IN MAJOR BAY COLLISION

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed a fatal accident in Major Bay, Tortola, on the morning of Thursday, November 21, 2024. One person has been pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for medical treatment. Their current condition remains unclear. Images circulating on social … Continued

$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