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
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
Sixth District Representative Hon. Myron Walwyn has raised concerns over the recent decision to allocate $500,000 to the BVI Tourist Board for beautification efforts, describing the decision as misaligned with the board’s primary focus. During the recent debate on the nearly $12 million Schedule of Additional Provisions (SAP), Walwyn argued that such tasks—largely consisting of … Continued
A federal judge in Texas has struck down a key Biden administration policy aimed at helping undocumented immigrants married to United States citizens gain a path to citizenship. The programme, known as “Keeping Families Together,” was one of the most significant recent presidential initiatives for immigrant families, offering undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens … Continued
The 2024 General Election concluded on November 5 in the United States Virgin Islands, with unofficial results revealing voter turnout and top candidates in both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts. In the St. Thomas-St. John District, turnout was notably low, with just 22.99% of registered voters casting 7,166 ballots. Milton E. Potter … Continued
The Premier’s Office has expanded its portfolio in a recent ministerial reorganization, assuming responsibilities for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary Services, previously managed by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been formally added to the Premier’s Office, consolidating its role in constitutional matters and further broadening its … Continued
Donald Trump has achieved a historic political comeback, securing a non-consecutive second term as the 47th president of the United States. His victory over Vice President Kamala Harris marks him as the oldest person to assume the office at age 78 and the first U.S. president with a criminal conviction. The Associated Press called Wisconsin … Continued
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, has voiced sharp criticism of the Virgin Islands Government following a walkout by government members that prevented debate and voting on a Motion of No Confidence. The motion, scheduled as the next item on the House of Assembly’s Order Paper, was left undiscussed when members of the government, … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands has passed a legislative amendment granting the Financial Services Commission (FSC) authority to extend the deadline for companies to submit their annual financial returns by up to nine months. The amendment, the BVI Business Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, was approved on Tuesday, October 29, in response to reports … Continued
Deputy Premier André Ebanks, Ministers Ebanks-Wilks and Turner, and Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden resigned from the Government effective immediately. Grand Cayman 31 Oct, 2024 – Deputy Premier André Ebanks, Ministers Turner and Ebanks[1]Wilks along with Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden announced today they had resigned from the UPM Government effective immediately. Former Deputy Premier and MP … Continued
