VISAR WELCOMES TWO NEWLY CERTIFIED RESCUE CREW MEMBERS

The Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) has announced the addition of two newly certified crew members to their lifesaving team – Siddharth Helde and James Campbell. After hundreds of hours of intensive training over the past year, Helde and Campbell have now completed all requirements to join the VISAR crew responding to marine emergencies.  … Continued

ITA TO HOST SEMINAR FOR INVESTMENT ENTITIES ON REPORTING STANDARDS

The BVI Investment and Trade Authority (ITA) has announced it will hold an informative session on February 28, 2024, for investment entities subject to reporting requirements under the Common Reporting Standards (CRS). The seminar invites those appointed to fulfil CRS obligations through the BVIFARS portal to submit questions and concerns by February 2nd. The ITA … Continued

AMENDED BVI BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT AFFECTING CABINET REVENUE – $170K LESS IN 2023 VS 2021 TOTAL

The BVI Business Companies (Amendment) Act 2022 has dealt the Cabinet Office a financial blow since coming into force, significantly impacting its annual revenue, with the Office collecting $170,000 less in fees in 2023 when compared to 2021. This is according to the information presented by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Sandra Ward during Standing Finance Committee … Continued

VERNON BERNARD CHARGED IN PIER PARK ROBBERY

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has charged an additional male suspect in relation to the armed robbery that took place at the House of Luxury Jewelry Store at Tortola Pier Park in July 2023. The suspect, identified as Vernon Bernard, 32, of Manuel Reef, has been charged with Robbery, Handling Stolen Goods, and … Continued

PREMIER WHEATLEY DECLARES WEEK OF PRAYER AND FASTING IN THE BVI

Premier and Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs Dr. Natalio Wheatley has urgently called for a “Week of Prayer and Fasting” across the British Virgin Islands from January 19th to 25th.  Expressing belief in the power of prayer, Premier Wheatley is encouraging all Christian congregations in the territory to engage in special focused prayer and fasting this … Continued

CABINET APPOINTS NEW HIGHER EDUCATION LICENSING BOARD

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has appointed six representatives from civil society, a legal practitioner and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports to the Higher Education Licensing Board for three-year terms beginning December 1st, 2023.  The named appointees are Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson, Mr. Glen Harrigan, Mr. Ian Smith, … Continued

BVI ENGAGES OECS TO ADVANCE COMMON TOURISM POLICY

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism recently met with representatives of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission to progress a unified Eastern Caribbean tourism policy. The meetings were held January 15-20 and included   Team Leader and Tourism Technical Specialist Maria Fowell and supporting consultant and Tourism Policy and Development Advisor Dr. Jennifer Edwards. … Continued