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Statement by Governor Daniel Pruce: Press Conference 23rd February, 2026
Good afternoon everybody, it’s good to see colleagues here in the room and good afternoon everyone who is joining us online. I wanted to take this opportunity update everyone on security matters, including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the prison, HMP Balsam Ghut. As Mr Adams said, as usual, after my opening remarks I’m very happy to take questions.
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Statement By Premier Hon. Dr Natalio D. Wheatley Update On 76th Meeting Of The OECS Authority And Other Matters
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley held a press conference on March 21, 2025, where he addressed concerns over rising crime and violence, calling for collective community efforts to tackle these issues. He provided updates from the 76th OECS Authority meeting, welcomed St. Martin as an Associate Member, and discussed constitutional advancements. The Premier also announced the return of Honourable Lorna Smith to the government, highlighted the launch of the UN-Eastern Caribbean Roadmap for development finance, and celebrated the success of the Vybz Kartel show.
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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 D. Wheatley announced the completion and submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Self-Assessment Report on the implementation of the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations. This report, along with the Governor’s final review and public submissions, will help the UK determine whether to lift the Order in Council which allows for potential direct rule. The Premier confirmed that 46 of 48 recommendations have been completed, with the remaining two requiring external constitutional or judicial action. He also introduced the Governance Reform Transition Plan to guide continued implementation and public education. Dr. Wheatley expressed gratitude to all involved and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to stronger self-governance and ongoing reform.
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Press Conference Statement Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, RA 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM 28th February, 2025
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change discussed his participation at the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for addressing shared challenges such as climate change, trade, crime, and security. CARICOM’s collective response to issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability was highlighted. The Deputy Premier also noted the discussions on technology and innovation, with an emphasis on the Virgin Islands’ potential in healthcare and digital education. CARICOM’s support for the Virgin Islands’ self-determination was reaffirmed, and he praised Martinique’s steps toward becoming an Associate Member of CARICOM. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Premier and the Territory at the meeting.
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Statement by Honourable Kye M. Rymer- Water as a National Critical Priority
Good day, Virgin Islands, On the nineteenth of June, I stood before you to declare water a national critical priority and to share the Government’s commitment to addressing the decades-long challenges in our water system. I acknowledged then, as I do now, the hardships our people and businesses continue to face with unreliable supply, and I said that action and not words would follow.
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Statement by Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer- Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Tenth Anniversary Celebration
Ten years ago today, on February 16, 2016, this waterfront area was transformed. On that day, it wasn't just that a pier opened, it was a new chapter for the Virgin Islands. Standing here a decade later, we can see that chapter has been one of progress and prosperity. Now, as we celebrate, I think it's important that we tell the full story, because this facility's history teaches us something valuable about who we are as a people. The vision for a modern cruise pier did not belong to any single government. It was built over time, by leaders who understood that when it comes to building our country, the work must continue regardless of who holds the mantle.
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Invitation for Expressions of Interest: Legal Services Panel for the Government of the Virgin Islands
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Attorney General’s Chambers, is inviting qualified legal practitioners and consultants to submit Expressions of Interest for inclusion on a Panel of Legal Practitioners & Consultants. The Panel will provide a range of legal services including drafting, civil litigation, advisory, and specialist consultancy across various practice areas such as constitutional law, commercial law, legislative drafting, and more. Eligible applicants must be admitted or eligible to practice law in the Virgin Islands and demonstrate expertise in relevant fields. Selected panel members will be engaged on a case-by-case basis under framework agreements, with assignments based on need and performance. Submissions are due by July 14, 2025, and must include detailed documentation to support qualifications and experience.
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Statement by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports on the Approach To Addressing Serious and Extreme Student Misbehaviour
On June 3, 2025, Minister Sharie B. de Castro addressed the alarming rise in serious student misbehaviour, including drug use, violence, and inappropriate conduct in public secondary schools. In response, the Ministry of Education has launched a multi-agency effort involving health and law enforcement partners, established a Student Wellbeing Steering Group and Intervention Task Force, and developed a comprehensive support framework focusing on prevention, counselling, restorative justice, and alternative education. Schools have implemented targeted programmes like BEAM and behaviour committees, while international models from the UK are being adapted locally. The Minister called for community-wide support through trained volunteer mentors and emphasized that addressing these challenges requires collective action from schools, government, and society.
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RISA BVI & South Square Conference 2025– Jurisdiction Update
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, addressed the RISA BVI & South Square Conference highlighting the Virgin Islands’ ongoing efforts to address its placement on the FATF grey list by strengthening anti-money laundering measures and regulatory frameworks, with a goal to be removed within two years. She emphasized the importance of the financial services sector to the economy and the government’s support for diversification, particularly in fintech and emerging areas like climate finance. Smith reaffirmed the BVI’s commitment to good governance, innovation, and strong partnerships with the private sector and international regulators to ensure continued growth and resilience.
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Asia Trade Mission & Strained Economic Relations Between BVI And USVI
The Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) began by expressing condolences to those who have lost loved ones and emphasizing the government’s commitment to democratic accountability. He mentioned the recent trade mission to Asia, where the BVI delegation promoted the territory’s financial services in China and Malaysia. The trip reinforced the BVI’s reputation, and Malaysia’s newfound economic relations position the BVI to offer corporate structures to Malaysian clients. Financial services account for around 60% of BVI’s revenue and are crucial for funding public services. The Premier opposed calls for public registers of beneficial ownership from the UK Parliament, stressing the BVI’s capacity to regulate its own financial services. He then addressed recent tensions between the BVI and the US Virgin Islands (USVI), particularly in the marine sector, where the BVI’s fees have not kept up with the growing charter industry’s prosperity. The BVI government is modernizing its legislation to bring balance to the economic benefits from USVI-chartered vessels using BVI waters. The Premier emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the two territories. He proposed a meeting with Governor Bryan of the USVI to discuss the issue and explore further economic opportunities, particularly in tourism. He concluded by reaffirming the familial and economic ties between the BVI and USVI, expressing the desire for both sides to prosper together.