The Government of the Virgin Islands, in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat, will be conducting a labour force survey in the Virgin Islands beginning on January 19, 2015.

Director of the Central Statistics Office, Mr. Raymond Phillips stated that a labour force survey provides estimates of employment and unemployment. These he said are among the most important indicators of economic stability of any economy.

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 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

Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has concluded a week of talks with the United Kingdom (UK) Government in London where he joined other Overseas Territories (OTs) Leaders at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC).

The meetings covered a wide range of topics that included economic development, financial services, security, policing, passports, health, and pensions, among other things.