British Virgin Islands, 22 December, 2014 – Six students from secondary schools and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) received prizes as winners in the 30^th Anniversary International Business Companies Act essay competition last Friday December 19.

The competition was part of activities to mark the 30^th anniversary of the passing of the International Business Companies Act (IBC) 1984, a significant and influential piece of legislation which laid the foundation of the BVI Financial Services Industry.

The public is advised that library cards issued to patrons by the Department of Library Services should not be used as identification cards.

According to Chief Librarian Ms. Suzanne Greenaway, over the past few months there has been an increase in requests for library cards at the Road Town Public Library for use as national identification cards. 

Ms. Greenaway explained, “The library card is restricted to the library services and should be used solely to borrow books or other reading materials.”

The Department of Waste Management is encouraging the community to dispose of waste oil safely at the incinerator in Pockwood Pond.

Waste Officer, Mr. Marquese Maduro said the department is requesting that individuals and businesses that generate significant amounts of waste oil are to bring the oil to Pockwood Pond where it can dispose of safely.

Waste oil is defined as any petroleum-based or synthetic oil such as automotive, cooking oil and other lubricants.

The Ministry of Health and Social development is reporting the lowest cases of new HIV/AIDS infections since 2007.

Coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS & Sexual Health Programme Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke reported that so far this year, only three new cases of HIV have been recorded.

Mrs. Levons-Clarke noted that the Territory is seeing a reduction in the number of new cases and the spread of HIV infection. This achievement she attributes to enhanced public awareness and education spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The Department of Waste Management is inviting the public to take advantage of its wood chipper, a motor-driven machine used to recycle non-processed wood, like tree trunks and barks, reducing it to smaller woodchips called mulch.

According to Waste Officer Mr. Marquese Maduro, mulch is usually spread over the surface of the soil as a covering. Persons can use it in landscaping and beautification of their surroundings. It is ideal for retaining moisture in the soil. Additionally, it helps to prevent soil erosion and serves as a nutrient for plants.

British Virgin Islands World War 1 Veteran James Rymer’s outstanding service in World War 1 was recently celebrated at the annual Premier’s reception hosted by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.

Twenty-five students gathered at BVI House in London on December 7 for a luncheon orientation programme where they learned more on transitioning to life in the United Kingdom (UK). They also had an opportunity to meet with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE.

Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE met with key Members of Parliament at the British Virgin Islands All Party Parliamentary Group (BVI APPG) lunch in the House of Commons on Thursday December 4.

The Premier updated APPG members on the Territory’s progress in the areas of tourism, healthcare and financial services.   The APPG Members and other Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords offered insights on improving BVI-UK engagement. 

The Department of Waste Management is asking for a coordinated response from the community in maximizing the potential of the incinerator.

The incinerator which once opened to the public 24 hours a day, experienced technical issues associated with the hours of operation. The new hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. which became effective September 1, 2014.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken further steps in strengthening its international relations by signing a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the Government of South Korea.

The TIEA will enable the two tax authorities to have greater ability to exchange information for tax purposes in accordance with internationally agreed standards