The public is informed that free transportation will be available for residents in the East End and Paraquita Bay/Hodge's Creek areas during the temporary road closure in Hodge's Creek. From June 11 to June 25, Lebo Taxi Services (TX-774) will operate three weekday round trips via Ridge Road, with pick-up and drop-off points near Fine Foods Supermarket, Fat Hogs Bay, and HLSCC, Paraquita Bay. The daily schedule is 8:45 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:30 PM, all starting from Fine Foods.
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI) currently holds fifteen standard loans with four creditors: three domestic (CIBC Caribbean, Republic Bank, and the Social Security Board) and one external (Caribbean Development Bank). Domestic debt totals $71.77 million (47.1% of total debt), while external debt with CDB accounts for $80.49 million (52.9%). Most of the debt (79.2%, or $120.62 million) carries floating interest rates, primarily with SSB, CIBC, and CDB, while the remaining 20.8% ($31.64 million) is fixed-rate debt held across all creditors.
The July cohort of the 2025 BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme has concluded with enthusiastic reviews from student participants and praise from partner hospitality businesses.
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission has announced the inaugural 284 Excellence Film Festival (284XFF), set for October 30 to November 2, 2025, aiming to bridge Caribbean literature and cinema. With the theme “Caribbean Literature in Motion: Caribbean Stories Reimagined,” the festival will showcase global films while spotlighting Caribbean narratives adapted for the screen. Featuring national, regional, and international competitions, as well as student and youth challenges, the event fosters creative collaboration and cultural exchange. Supported by major international film festivals and hosted in the BVI, 284XFF positions the Territory as a cinematic hub while empowering local and regional talent.
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, delivered remarks at the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) on February 11, 2025. He emphasized the importance of protecting the Virgin Islands' natural environment, which is vital to the economy, resilience, and quality of life. He highlighted the threats to biodiversity, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, with specific mention of sand mining on Anegada and the decline of coral reefs and endangered species like the Virgin Islands Rock Iguana. The NBSAP aims to provide a clear framework for sustainable development, integrating conservation into national planning. Dr. Smith-Berkeley acknowledged the support of various partners, including the OECS, PC Consultants Ltd., Dr. Shannon Gore, and the EU’s BioSPACE Project, and called on all members of the community to take collective action for conservation.
The Government of the Virgin Islands invites tenders for asphalt paving and road markings on 9 miles of primary roads. The project includes milling, material supply, asphalt plant setup, equipment provision, and installation of road markings and studs, with the goal of achieving a 15-year lifespan for the roads.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley provided updates on various topics in his January 2025 press conference. He honored the late Lucia Harrigan and Celcila Georges, congratulated HLSCC on its 35th anniversary, and discussed tourism growth and the launch of a National Tourism Plan. He highlighted financial services initiatives, including a consultation on beneficial ownership and upcoming trade visits to Asia. The Premier also announced his appointment as President of UKOTA and provided updates on the implementation of COI recommendations and crime prevention efforts.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, is accepting bids for a one-year cleaning services contract for the restroom facility at Long Bay Beach, Beef Island, starting 1 February 2025. The scope includes daily cleaning, supply of cleaning tools and agents, ensuring adequate consumables, cleaning of toilets, showers, and washbasins, and reporting hazards. Interested tenderers must submit a quotation, certificates of good standing, valid trade license, and a list of similar jobs by 27 January 2025. Tenders can be hand-delivered or emailed to the Ministry. Late submissions will not be accepted. The Government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is seeking qualified vendors to supply and deliver first aid supplies to public primary and secondary schools for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year.
H.M. Customs is informing the Charter Boat industry that any applications received by the CRVL Unit in the Ministry of Finance and not processed as of 31 October 2025, will be honoured by our department to obtain a cruising permit for charters.