Overview

The Government of the British Virgin Islands is responsible for the external affairs that fall under the portfolio of the Ministers to the full extent permitted under the Constitution.   These matters include economic, social development, health, environment, labour, telecommunications, infrastructural development, culture and education. 

The external or international affairs of BVI while crossing the ambit of all ministerial portfolios is  the direct responsibility of the Premier’s Office under which the BVI International Affairs Secretariat (IAS) has been established to manage and coordinate government’s external affairs and relations.

Vision

To safeguard the reputation, advance BVI interests, and effectively manage and coordinate the Territory’s representation in the international arena. 

Mission

The purpose of IAS is to: 
•To monitor and advise Government on international affairs which affect the interests of the BVI
•To coordinate and implement BVI’s international relations
•To establish BVI protocols for the conduct of our international relations

In order to do this, we must

•Gather intelligence and information to provide an analysis to the Premier
•Advise on appropriate conduct and procedures to be followed on official situation
•Maintain good working relationships between other governments and international organisations

Summary of Responsibilities

BVI IAS partners with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Virgin Islands representation on the international arena and that Territory’s international affairs are effectively managed and coordinated.  This is achieved in the following ways:

External Affairs - The management and coordination of the following matters:

•The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and other Caribbean regional organizations/institutions;
•Other Caribbean regional affairs relating specifically to issues that are of interest to or affect the BVI;
•The relationship between the British Virgin Islands and United States Virgin Islands in matters of mutual interest;
•United Kingdom and European Union matters directly affecting the interests of the British Virgin Islands; 
•Coordinate BVI’s governmental involvement in international affairs; and 
•Implement Government’s policy on international affairs.

Protocol & Diplomatic Services - The management and coordination of the following matters:

•Ensuring that the correct protocol is applied in the delivery activities such as Territorial events and ceremonial functions
•Facilitation of official diplomatic visits
•Ensure that the relevant “Order of Precedence” is appropriate for the occasion
•Plan and host visiting dignitaries
•Ensure the proper flag protocols are observed at events

International Relations

BVI London Office – Opened in 2002, the BVI London Office represents the interests of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands in the United Kingdom and Europe. Based in BVI House, the Office also serves as headquarters for official visits to the BVI and supports Virgin Islanders living and studying in Britain.

BVI House Asia – BVI House Asia was launched in September 2013 as the Asia Pacific Regional Office based in Hong Kong with the aim of strengthen and further developing the BVI’s deep relationship within that region.  It is responsible for working with industry practitioners up to date information on BVI’s structures and economic business opportunities.