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

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

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

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

GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO OPEN AT 11:00 A.M.

The Office of the Deputy Governor has announced that all public offices across the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are expected to open today at 11:00 a.m. following intense overnight rainfall that has led to flooding and landslides in multiple communities. The office noted that the Public Works Department (PWD) is currently clearing affected areas, working … Continued

Virgin Islands Schools Closed Due to Adverse Weather Conditions

The Ministry of Education has announced the closure of all public schools across the Virgin Islands today, following a recommendation from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM). The decision comes in response to adverse weather conditions, including anticipated cloudy spells, showers, and thunderstorms that are expected to impact the territory throughout the day. In a … Continued