GOVERNMENT SEEKS PRICE STABILITY ON FOOD ITEMS AS $7.25 MINIMUM WAGE TAKES EFFECT

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, met with representatives from major local supermarkets to discuss measures aimed at maintaining stable prices on essential food items. The meeting held June 27 formed part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the cost of living for residents, particularly in light of … Continued

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS, BEAUTIFICATION, AND DRAINAGE TOP PRIORITIES IN ROAD TOWN RENEWAL

Road Town is preparing for a long-anticipated transformation, as the Virgin Islands government allocates $1.2 million to begin a phased redevelopment of the capital. The initiative will be guided by a public-private partnership model, focused on strategic upgrades, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable community development. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, speaking during the recent Road Town Partnership … Continued

BVI DOUBLES DOWN ON FINANCIAL SERVICES INNOVATION WITH GLOBAL FINTECH SHOWCASE

Facing mounting pressure from the United Kingdom over financial transparency, the British Virgin Islands is accelerating its push to modernize its financial services sector — spotlighting FinTech, digital assets, and regulatory innovation as key elements of its national economic strategy. The territory’s efforts were on full display at the FinTech on the Seas conference, held … Continued

GLENROY FORBES AND WENDELL GASKIN REAPPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP ROLES ON SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced the reappointment of Mr. Glenroy Forbes as Chairman of the Social Security Board and Mr. Wendell Gaskin as a Representative of Employed Persons. Both appointments are for a two-year term, with Mr. Forbes’ appointment taking effect from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027 while Mr. Gaskin’s … Continued

QUESTIONS LOOM AS PREMIER URGED TO REVEAL CASH AMOUNTS FOR ENTERTAINMENT SUPPORT

The issue of utilizing government funds to sponsor private entertainment events continues to be a cause for concern. At a recent government organized press conference, the Premier was asked to confirm the cash component of sponsorship to the BVI Music Festival which is being held this weekend at Cane Garden Bay, and YOLO Promotions from … Continued

“FINTECH ON THE SEAS” HIGHLIGHTS BVI’S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND REGULATORY EXCELLENCE

Delegates to a Fintech on the Seas conference held in territory were told that for decades the Virgin Islands has been among the most secure, best regulated jurisdictions for international business. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley said Fintech on the Seas is more than an event; it is statement … Continued

GOVERNMENT DEFENDS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REFORMS AS FAIR, CRITICS WARN OF TRANSPARENCY RISKS

The Government of the Virgin Islands has introduced a revised Beneficial Ownership policy that limits access to company ownership records to parties who can demonstrate a legitimate interest. These parties typically include agencies or individuals involved in anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism, or national security investigations. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley first outlined the changes in his May … Continued

NEW PROJECTS, GRANTS, AND SCHOOL GARDENS AIM TO BOOST LOCAL FOOD SECURITY

Premier the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently underscored his Government’s dedication to strengthening the agriculture and fisheries sectors, identifying them as crucial pillars in the Virgin Islands’ food security and economic diversification strategy. He spoke during his year two territorial address titled “Building a Sustainable Nation”. He noted that significant progress has already been made … Continued