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 bill Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley noted that it would require boards to follow financial governance guidelines when maintaining accounts and records.
Premier Wheatley also revealed that the bill includes several new mechanisms aimed at achieving modern governance principles, including increased diversity and guaranteed seats for representatives from the sister islands.
In addition, the bill contains measures to ensure the board’s alignment with financial governance standards to, among other things, ensure the effective management of its budget from the government.
Premier Wheatley believes this amended legislation will allow the board to contribute more effectively to the sustainable development of the tourism sector, ultimately benefiting Virgin Islanders.