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Government Reminds of Mandatory Reporting Requirement for All Marine Accidents and Incidents
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) is reminding vessel operators and maritime stakeholders across the Virgin Islands that reporting marine accidents and incidents is a legal requirement under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020.
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Statement by Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio D Wheatley, on the Completion and Submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands Self-Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced the completion and submission of the Virgin Islands' Self-Assessment Report on implementing the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations. This milestone reflects significant governance reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and institutional structures. Dr. Wheatley credited public officers, Cabinet, and the COI Implementation Unit for their dedicated efforts and emphasized that reforms go beyond COI requirements, aligning with nation-building goals. The UK will decide by 30 June 2025 whether to lift the Order in Council that threatens partial suspension of the Constitution.
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Contract Signed For Solar Technology Energy Programme
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley highlighted the Solar Technology Energy Programme (S.T.E.P.) as a key initiative for sustainable energy in the Virgin Islands. The program, led by the Ministry of Communications and Works, installs solar panels and inverters to reduce energy costs by up to 50% for participants. The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) covers all upfront costs, and customers can earn credits for excess energy sold back to the grid. Minister Kye M. Rymer emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable energy, investing $1 million in the initiative. Future phases will explore additional solar technologies.
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Statement By Governor Of The British Virgin Islands Daniel Pruce On The Vetting Of Police Officers
Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Daniel Pruce, has announced two key developments aimed at strengthening the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). First, the long-anticipated vetting of all RVIPF officers—recommended by the 2022 Commission of Inquiry—will officially begin, following regulatory amendments and a signed agreement with the UK Home Office. The goal is to have a fully vetted police force by Autumn, enhancing trust and security across the Territory. Second, the recruitment process for a new Commissioner of Police has resumed, based on updated requirements outlined in a recent law enforcement review. The Governor aims to appoint a Commissioner with the expertise and leadership needed to drive transformational change in the RVIPF by Autumn. These measures mark a pivotal step in strengthening public confidence and community safety in the Virgin Islands.
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Non-Stop Carnival at Sea: UberSoca Cruise Makes Historic First Stop in the Virgin Islands
Non-Stop Carnival at Sea: UberSoca Cruise Makes Historic First Stop in the Virgin Islands The Premier and Minister of Tourism, Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, has announced that the world's largest Caribbean music festival at sea — UberSoca Cruise — will make its inaugural call to the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, docking at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in Road Town, Tortola.
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Premier Wheatley Opens CTO Human Resources Conference, Emphasising People as the Core of Tourism
29 October 2025 Premier Wheatley Opens CTO Human Resources Conference, Emphasising People as the Core of Tourism Describing the theme of this year’s 11th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tourism Human Resources Conference as one that “could not be more fitting,” Premier and Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said it captures the essence of Caribbean tourism, an industry built not on infrastructure or technology, but on people.
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British Virgin Islands Government Welcomes Independent Affirmation of Sovereign Credit Ratings and Stable Economic Outlook
The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings (S&P) has affirmed the British Virgin Islands' 'BBB' long-term and 'A-2' short-term sovereign credit ratings. This affirmation, accompanied by a stable outlook, serves as a powerful endorsement of our territory’s resilient institutional framework and our unwavering commitment to prudent fiscal management.
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VI to Host Invasive Green Iguana Action Planning and Management Training Workshop
VI to Host Invasive Green Iguana Action Planning and Management Training Workshop The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Centre for Applied Marine Studies (CAMS) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB NNSS), will host a four-day Invasive Green Iguana Action Planning and Management Training Workshop from the 17th to 20th March 2026 at the HLSCC Learning Resource Centre.
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RDA TO IMPLEMENT FIVE CRITICAL ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), under the Ministry of Communications and Works, is refining the scope of the ‘Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme’ to focus on five critical road projects: Fort Hill, Joe’s Hill, Windy Hill, Ridge Road, and Pockwood Pond. These roads were prioritized based on hazard exposure, asset vulnerability, traffic volume, and community needs. The RDA is planning schedules, budgets, and procurement for design engineering services. The projects aim to enhance road resilience, drainage systems, and water network upgrades, benefiting multiple communities. The program is funded by a $100M government loan and will improve over eight miles of road. The RDA is committed to transparency and public updates via BVIRecovery.vg and social media.
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Diplomatic Leaders Honoured for Distinguished Service to the Virgin Islands
22 October 2025 Diplomatic Leaders Honoured for Distinguished Service to the Virgin Islands (Territory Observes Diplomatic Week 2025) Twelve past and present diplomatic leaders were formally recognised during a gala ceremony held at Scrub Island Resort on Tuesday 21 October 2025, as the International Affairs Secretariat, Premier’s Office, officially launched Diplomatic Week 2025, under the theme “From Island Shores to Global Doors”.