“DO NOT DO IT” – WALWYN URGES MINISTER RYMER NOT TO MERGE WSD WITH BVIEC

Representative for the Sixth District, Hon. Myron Walwyn, has called on the Minister for Communication and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, to postpone the planned merger of the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) with the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC). Speaking during a recent House of Assembly sitting, Walwyn urged the minister to address pressing issues within … Continued

“I WAS SHAME LIKE A DOG” – WALWYN ON TRELLIS BAY REST STOP

Opposition Legislator Hon. Myron Walwyn has expressed strong disapproval of the recently opened Trellis Bay Rest Stop facility on Beef Island, describing it as inadequate for the calibre of tourists and residents who frequently use the area. Speaking during a House of Assembly sitting, Walwyn said he felt “shame like a dog” upon seeing the facility, which … Continued

SMITH URGES GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE WORKERS’ WELFARE

Territorial At-Large Representative Lorna Smith has strongly criticized the government’s decision to postpone the long-promised minimum wage increase, describing the delay as “immoral.” Speaking during the 2025 budget debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, Smith urged the government to prioritize workers’ welfare and fulfil its commitment to raising the minimum wage. … Continued

WALWYN CRITIQUES 2025 BUDGET AS “PURE SORROW”

Sixth District Representative Hon. Myron Walwyn has criticized the 2025 Budget presented by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, describing it as “nothing but pure sorrow.” Walwyn’s sharp remarks came during the budget debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, where he lambasted the government for what he sees as … Continued

GOVT EXPLORES U.S. PRECLEARANCE SOLUTION FOR TRAVELLERS

The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively engaging with the United States to explore a resolution regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance for travellers entering the territory. Minister for Communication and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, confirmed ongoing discussions during a recent community meeting on Virgin Gorda. What Is Preclearance? CBP Preclearance involves … Continued

PREMIER WHEATLEY TO REVIEW GRANT LIMITS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has signalled his willingness to reconsider the maximum grant amount offered under the government’s Small Business Development Grant Programme. Currently capped at $7,000, the grant programme supports small and medium-sized businesses in overcoming financial hurdles and fostering growth. Speaking on the local radio program Talking Points, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the … Continued

PREMIER VOWS ACTION AMID FINANCIAL SERVICES LAYOFFS AND RELOCATIONS

Premier and Minister of Financial Services and Labour, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, has pledged to address reports of mass layoffs and the relocation of financial services operations to cheaper jurisdictions. Speaking on the local radio programme Talking Points, Premier Wheatley expressed his commitment to engaging with industry stakeholders to tackle the issue. During the programme, … Continued

MULTI-FACETED APPROACH FOR PRICE CONTROL SAYS PREMIER WHEATLEY

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has revealed a multi-faceted approach to combat the increasing cost of living in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). At a recent press conference, Premier Wheatley discussed key strategies, including the promotion of renewable energy, boosting local agricultural production, and reviewing the territory’s tax and duty regime. Wheatley also emphasized … Continued

PREMIER CALLS FOR POPULATION GROWTH TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC AND LABOUR NEEDS IN BVI

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley recently outlined the need for the British Virgin Islands to grow its population in order to meet its economic aspirations, emphasizing that migration would play a central role in this growth. At a press conference, Wheatley stressed that the territory’s future economic success depends on expanding its workforce to … Continued

PREMIER PRAISES JMC TALKS – LAUDS POSITIVE DIALOGUE ON BVI-UK RELATIONS

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley announced significant progress following his recent attendance at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in the United Kingdom. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Premier Wheatley emphasized the UK’s openness to evolving its constitutional relationship with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and other Overseas Territories … Continued