APPROX 62% OF COI IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS COMPLETED – SAYS PREMIER

With 16 weeks remaining for the full implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations, the Government of the Virgin Islands has revealed that it has completed approximately 62 percent of the actions relating to the reforms. Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley in a recent update revealed that his government divided the 50 COI … Continued

KPMG AWARDED AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT – TO COMPLETE BUSINESS CASE BY MAY

KPMG (BVI) has been awarded a contract by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) to spearhead the long-awaited airport development project. The BVIAA in a media release on Monday said the decision follows a rigorous tendering process that involved eight reputable companies, with KPMG (BVI) emerging as the preferred … Continued

DISTRICT COUNCILS PROPOSED AS SOLUTION TO SISTER ISLANDS’ REPRESENTATION WOES

The Constitutional Review Commission’s report sheds light on rising support among the public for the introduction of District Councils as a solution to the underrepresentation of sister islands. The report reveals that during the Commission’s meetings, participants displayed a growing openness to the concept of District Councils, particularly emphasizing their importance in local governance.  The … Continued

BVI AGENCIES TEST DISASTER RESPONSE IN JOINT EXERCISE

In an effort to enhance crisis response and disaster preparedness in the Virgin Islands, crisis experts from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recently conducted a week-long training exercise with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Disaster Management, and various other agencies. The culmination of the training was marked by a four-hour … Continued

CRC PROPOSES ELIMINATING JUNIOR MINISTER POSITIONS

The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) Report has called for abolishing the role of junior ministers in the Virgin Islands. The report states: “The position of Junior Minister should be abolished in order to promote an environment that supports clear separation between the Executive and the Legislature and availability of backbenchers as a necessary check and … Continued

7 SUPPORTING BILLS FROM THE SEXUAL OFFENCES BILL DRAFTED – STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS COMING SOON

The Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent Wheatley has revealed that substantial progress is being made with the drafting of the Sexual Offenses Bill, with plans to have the legislation laid in the House of Assembly by September 2024. Wheatley was at the time responding to a question posed in the House of … Continued

PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. MOBILIZES IN ANTICIPATION OF HEAVY RAINS

In light of a weather alert for an approaching frontal trough system, the Public Works Department has mobilized crews to monitor and prepare for potential flooding and storm impacts. Minister for Communications and Works Hon.Kye Rymer said the Public Works Department has activated its emergency response team. Crews are inspecting waterways and ghuts across the … Continued

CRC PROPOSES DIRECT ELECTION OF PREMIER TO EMPOWER VOTERS

A major recommendation by the British Virgin Islands’ Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) aims to give voters more say in choosing the country’s top leader.  The report noted that during the consultation process, “there were certain recurring themes which were imparted with a firm and unshakeable resolve that these particular things must be addressed in the … Continued

PREMIER SENDS BEST WISHES TO KING CHARLES FOLLOWING CANCER DIAGNOSIS

The Government of the Virgin Islands have extended its prayers and best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III, following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. In a statement on Monday, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley on behalf of his administration expressed solidarity with individuals worldwide who are sending positive thoughts and wishes to … Continued