The Cabinet Office is notifying the public that the first two Acts of 2026 have been published for public review.
The public is advised that the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is now available for review. The Bill was introduced in the House of Assembly on April 3, 2025, and can be accessed on the Virgin Islands Official Gazette website in Gazette No. 44 dated April 15, 2025. For more information, contact the Gazette Unit at 468-4336 or email gazette@gov.vg.
The Department of Immigration will hold office hours on Anegada on 21st February 2025 and on Jost Van Dyke on 28th February 2025. These sessions will address Residence and Belonger Status interviews, permit extensions, and other queries. Appointments can be made by emailing the department by 19th February for Anegada and by 26th February for Jost Van Dyke.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports is accepting scholarship applications for the 2025/2026 academic year in various priority areas, including education, health, technology, business, law, and more. Applications must be submitted online by February 28, 2025, through the Government of the Virgin Islands website or at https://bvigov.smapply.io.
As Speaker of this Fifth House of Assembly, I am delighted to announce that the House of Assembly (Management) Act, 2025 received its assent on 26th January, 2026 and will come into force, tomorrow, 30th January, 2026.
The International Tax Authority (ITA) advises Registered Agents of the finalized transition dates for Economic Substance (ES) filings. The Beneficial Ownership Secure Search system (BOSSs) will no longer be available after December 26, 2025, and the Virtual Integrated Registry Regulatory General Information Network (VIRRGIN) will open for ES filings on January 2, 2026. Registered Agents must ensure all outstanding filings, reopened declarations, and Section 11 Notice requests are submitted before these deadlines.
St. George’s Secondary School and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) won the first round of the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School debates. They will compete in the Semi-Final Round on 26th February 2025. St. George’s will face VISTS, and Bregado Flax Educational Centre will compete against Elmore Stoutt High School. Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe highlighted the debates as a platform for developing essential skills, while Deputy Chief Educational Officer Mrs. Heida Selwood praised the students' impressive performances. The debates will be streamed on Facebook Live.
Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator Mr. Jerome Padmore has said that the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), is making significant progress in the investigation of a boating incident which occurred on Saturday, July 26.
The three-day Anti-Crime Summit, themed: “OUR Virgin Islands: Safe Communities, Prosperous Territory” will commence today 24th September until Friday, 26th September with an aim to garner stakeholder input for the development of a comprehensive National Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy.
Minister Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley highlighted the importance of cervical cancer screening and early detection during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. He urged women aged 21 to 65 to schedule regular screenings every 3-5 years. The Ministry of Health is promoting prevention, early detection, and education to combat cervical cancer. Dr. Arliene T. Penn, in partnership with Unite BVI, is offering free screenings until January 31. Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death for women globally, with higher mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Ministry is committed to improving public health.