Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, has described his working relationship with His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce as one of mutual respect, maturity, and productive dialogue. Speaking at a recent press conference in response to a media question, Premier Wheatley emphasized the improved collaboration between his office and Governor Pruce. Premier … Continued
The British Virgin Islands is set to strengthen its ties with the Asia-Pacific region as Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, announced an upcoming diplomatic and trade mission to key financial hubs, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Malaysia. During a recent press conference, Premier Wheatley emphasized the importance of the Asia-Pacific … Continued
Premier Dr the Hon. Natalio Wheatley recently provided an update on the territory’s progress with implementing reforms to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The territory is working to address 64 specific recommendations outlined in a February 2024 Mutual Evaluation Report, conducted on behalf of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. The evaluation has prompted … Continued
With the recent rise in gun-related crimes in the British Virgin Islands, questions have surfaced about the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s ability to handle the escalating situation and whether external assistance from the United Kingdom may be necessary. During a recent press conference, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley acknowledged … Continued
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has voiced optimism that the newly sworn-in United States President Donald Trump will be able to bolster the United States’ economic strength, a critical factor for the Virgin Islands’ own prosperity. At a press conference on Thursday, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the BVI’s substantial economic reliance on the United States, … Continued
Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, has emphasized his government’s commitment to balancing transparency and privacy through its recent consultation on a proposed policy regarding access to the register of beneficial ownership. The initiative, launched last week, aims to strengthen the British Virgin Islands’ financial systems, align with international best … Continued
At a press conference earlier today, Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley provided an update on the Virgin Islands’ progress in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. He outlined the path towards governance reform, a process crucial to lifting the Order in Council that threatens to suspend the territory’s Constitution. Premier Wheatley recounted … Continued
The Virgin Islands welcomed more than one million visitors in 2024, marking only the second time the territory has achieved this milestone since its first million-visitor year in 2016, Premier Natalio Wheatley announced. Tourist arrivals reached 1,092,139 in 2024, representing a 9.8% increase from 994,896 visitors in 2023, according to the Central Statistics Office. The … Continued
The British Virgin Islands will host its first-ever Tourism Summit next week at the newly reopened Peter Island Resort, marking what Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley describes as a strategic move to elevate the territory’s tourism sector. The event will feature keynote addresses from various industry professionals representing local and regional agencies. Premier Wheatley … Continued
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
