GOVERNOR ASSENTS TO AMENDED IMMIGRATION ACT

Governor Daniel Pruce has officially signed into law the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, which introduces new pathways to Residence Status for children, including those born in the Virgin Islands to non-belonger parents. Signed on November 1, the legislation also addresses the requirements for Residence and Belonger Status, establishes transparent guidelines for awarding status, … Continued

EPHRAIM PENN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ASSOCIATION

Ephraim Penn, President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), has been elected as the new President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES). The election, held on October 18, 2024, during the ANOCES General Assembly at Sandals Beaches Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, is … Continued

RVIPF EXPANDS CCTV NETWORK ACROSS TORTOLA AND VIRGIN GORDA

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced a substantial expansion of its CCTV surveillance network across Tortola and Virgin Gorda, boosting security and creating notable cost benefits. By the end of 2024, over 100 advanced CCTV cameras will be installed in strategic locations throughout Tortola, while Virgin Gorda will see its CCTV sites … Continued

GOV’T REVIVES PLAN TO MERGE ELECTRICITY AND WATER SERVICES FOR 2025

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced plans to merge the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) with the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) by 2025, reigniting a proposal initially announced in 2013 under the National Democratic Party (NDP) which was never realized. Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, made the declaration … Continued

PREMIER ANNOUNCES $407.9 MILLION BUDGET FOR 2025

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley presented the BVI’s 2025 Budget in the House of Assembly on Monday, unveiling a projected revenue collection of $407,931,923 for the upcoming fiscal year. According to Premier Wheatley, the budget represents a nearly $100 million increase in revenue compared to 2015, reflecting resilience and growth … Continued

VI SANCTIONS UNIT TO HANDLE ALL SANCTIONS MATTERS STARTING NOV 15

Starting November 15, 2024, the Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit, operating under the Attorney General’s Office, will assume full responsibility for all sanctions-related tasks, including applications, reporting, and inquiries. This change marks the formal transfer of sanctions powers from the Governor’s Office to the new unit, following a six-month handover process. The move is enacted under … Continued

UK OT MINISTER DELAYS DECISION ON LIFTING ORDER IN COUNCIL UNTIL 2025

The British Virgin Islands will remain under the potential threat of direct UK rule, as the Order in Council—an instrument enabling the UK to suspend the BVI’s constitution—remains in place following the recent visit of UK Overseas Territories (OT) Minister Stephen Doughty. During his visit, Doughty announced that while discussions are progressing, a final decision … Continued