An audit conducted on major public contracts in the territory has revealed significant gaps and vulnerabilities in the territory’s procurement practices between 2019 and 2022. The audit, commissioned following the recommendations of the BVI Commission of Inquiry Report, sought to evaluate the transparency, fairness, and overall effectiveness of the government’s procurement processes. The findings highlight … Continued
Eighth District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn has raised concerns over the management and policies of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) during a recent House of Assembly sitting. Penn highlighted “questionable” activities at the Ports Authority, particularly regarding taxi operations and decision-making processes. The legislator expressed particular concern about the past operations of the Tortola Pier … Continued
The national census is facing significant challenges and delays, according to Raymond Phillips, Director of the Central Statistics Office. In a recent interview with Government Information Services, Phillips revealed that the census, which began in late July or early August last year, is only about halfway complete. The process, initially expected to take six months, … Continued
Honourable Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, Representative for the 2nd District, has called for urgent attention to the compensation packages offered to healthcare professionals in the territory. During a recent debate in the House of Assembly, he emphasized the need to raise compensation for doctors and nurses, citing concerns about losing skilled professionals to neighbouring territories such … Continued
Last week, BVI residents once again found themselves at the mercy of a brutal heatwave, with temperatures spiking to a heat index of 103 degrees Fahrenheit. While many of us cherish the sun’s warmth as part of island life, this scorching weather has become increasingly relentless—reaching new, unbearable highs over recent months. As frequent heat … Continued
Hon. Myron Walwyn, Representative for the Sixth District, has voiced concerns over certain aspects of new legislation to guide statutory boards, despite welcoming efforts to standardize mechanisms. During a recent session of the House of Assembly, Walwyn scrutinized several sections of the National Parks Trust (Amendment) bill, including those concerning board member qualifications and requirements, … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley is set to lay several important audit reports before the House of Assembly, as outlined in the order paper of the current sitting. These documents are part of the ongoing reforms following the Commission of Inquiry (COI). The audits are the latest in a series … Continued
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 … Continued
Concerns over the BVI’s tourism product and the need for more holistic investments in the sector were raised by Hon. Julien Fraser, Member for the Third District, during a recent session of the House of Assembly. While acknowledging the Territory’s natural assets of “Sand, Sea and Air” as appealing to visitors, Fraser questioned whether this … Continued
During a debate on the “Tourist Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” Hon. Marlon Penn, Member for the 8th District, raised concerns about the legality of the BVI Tourist Board’s continued assumption of duties which are still legally held by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee. Penn argued that without proper legislative action, the Tourist Board’s … Continued
