The Tourist Board Amendment Bill was recently laid in the House of Assembly. It is among a slew of bills that was introduced ahead of the most recent COI deadline, designed to strengthen governance of statutory boards. Among other provisions, the proposed law outlines procedures for appointing and removing statutory board members. Mover of the … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands has embarked on a $2.38 million road construction project, set to span six months, to improve 3,813 linear feet of concrete roadway from Paraquita Bay to Hodges Creek. The contract for this major infrastructure effort was awarded to Northam Construction, with a total value of $2,386,015.99. Minister for Communication … Continued
Concerns over the BVI’s tourism product and the need for more holistic investments in the sector were raised by Hon. Julien Fraser, Member for the Third District, during a recent session of the House of Assembly. While acknowledging the Territory’s natural assets of “Sand, Sea and Air” as appealing to visitors, Fraser questioned whether this … Continued
During a debate on the “Tourist Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” Hon. Marlon Penn, Member for the 8th District, raised concerns about the legality of the BVI Tourist Board’s continued assumption of duties which are still legally held by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee. Penn argued that without proper legislative action, the Tourist Board’s … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands is taking a significant step toward modernizing its immigration management processes with the introduction of the Online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card System, set to launch next month. This transformative digital initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Immigration and His Majesty’s Customs, is designed to streamline entry procedures and improve … Continued
Government officials are defending the pace of reforms following another missed deadline, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes over rigid timelines. Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith stressed that democracy should not be rushed while acknowledging significant progress in the reform process. Smith acknowledged challenges related to stringent deadlines, suggesting that the approach to the timeline … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively seeking solutions to address the territory’s high insurance costs, with recent efforts including discussions with global insurance leaders in the United Kingdom. Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, reported that during the recent official visit to the United … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has issued an apology to the residents of Anegada for their recent power struggles while outlining plans for a more stable energy future. Speaking on Tola Radio VI earlier this week Wheatley expressed hope that the island’s electricity woes would become “a thing of the past” … Continued
The appropriateness of using WhatsApp for official government communications has come under scrutiny following a controversial resignation request sent to BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Chairman Ron Potter. Health Minister Vincent Wheatley reportedly used the messaging app to ask Potter to step down, a request Potter publicly refused. During a recent House of Assembly sitting, … Continued
Climate change took center stage during the recent official visit to the United Kingdom, as noted by Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith. During a reception for the BVI delegation, Premier Wheatley delivered a keynote speech highlighting the negative impacts of climate change on the Virgin Islands. He updated … Continued
