PREMIER EYES NOVEMBER 1ST COMPLETION FOR BREWERS BAY RESTROOM FACILITY

Responding to questions from Second District Representative Honourable Melvin Turnbull, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley addressed the House of Assembly on the status of the Brewers Bay Restrooms and Waste Water Management Facility. Premier Wheatley noted ongoing technical issues with the facility’s electrical connection delaying its opening, a matter he said would be resolved … Continued

MINISTER SAYS SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY PROGRESSING, DRAFTS BEING REVIEWED

The Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, recently provided an update on the development of the Sexual Offenses Registry Bill.  The minister, who assured the House of Assembly that the government is dedicated to safeguarding children and enhancing public safety through the establishment of a comprehensive sex offender registry, spoke in response … Continued

FRASER JOINS GOVERNMENT; DEPUTY PREMIER SMITH REMOVED OVER LOYALTY CONCERNS

UPDATE: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley delivered a special address to the public on Wednesday Morning confirming that Representative for the Third District Julian Fraser has crossed the floor to join the Government. In addition, Fraser has been appointed Deputy Premier and has been given a ministerial portfolio consisting of areas previously held by the Premier … Continued

TERRITORY GEARS UP FOR HEROES AND FOREFATHERS DAY CELEBRATIONS

As the Virgin Islands prepares to celebrate Heroes and Forefathers Day on Monday, October 21, a series of initiatives are being launched to honour the territory’s rich history and pay tribute to its distinguished heroes. Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley provided a glimpse of the planned celebrations during a House of Assembly sitting on … Continued

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND JAMAICA COULD BE NEXT TO RECEIVE VISA-FREE ACCESS

Following the recent decision to grant visa-free access to Guyanese nationals, the Government of the Virgin Islands is now considering extending the same privilege to citizens of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley announced at a press conference on Monday that the government is actively exploring the possibility of removing … Continued

AUDIT REVEALS MISSTEPS IN PUBLIC CONTRACTS; URGES FAIRER CONTRACTOR PRACTICES

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

BVI MONITORING U.S. DOCKWORKERS STRIKE; NO IMMEDIATE IMPACT SAYS GOV’T & ONEMART

The Government of the Virgin Islands and local supermarket franchise, OneMart, have reassured residents that there are no immediate disruptions to food and cargo shipments following a dockworkers’ strike along the eastern seaboard of the United States, which began on October 1, 2024. The strike, involving thousands of workers from ports ranging from New England … Continued

TASHA BERTIE AND JOSEPH SMITH-ABBOTT CONFIRMED AS PERMANENT SECRETARIES

The Government of the Virgin Islands has officially confirmed the appointments of Joseph Smith-Abbott and Tasha Bertie as Permanent Secretaries within their respective ministries, following their service in acting capacities. The appointments were made in accordance with Section 24 (1) of the Service Commission Regulations. Smith-Abbott will now serve as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry … Continued

RDA TRANSITIONS TO VIDA; ITS PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT BODY

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), instrumental in the territory’s recovery from the devastating 2017 hurricanes, is set to become a permanent fixture under the new name Virgin Islands Development Agency (VIDA). This transition marks a significant shift in the territory’s long-term approach to infrastructure development, disaster recovery, and economic growth. Premier and … Continued

UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR SIMON SPRINGETTE VISITS BVI

The newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springette, has begun a two-day visit to the Virgin Islands from today, October 1, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration on sustainable development initiatives in the territory. Springette’s visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United … Continued