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Hong Kong Financial Services Round Table
The Premier of the Virgin Islands welcomed attendees to a roundtable with BVI financial services firms in Hong Kong. He emphasized the importance of Hong Kong and Mainland China to BVI's financial industry, highlighting the BVI Government's commitment to maintaining relationships and ensuring the industry’s growth. The Premier discussed recent regulatory changes, the need for collaboration, and BVI’s adherence to international standards. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the financial services industry’s viability and safeguarding clients’ security, ensuring compliance with global regulations. He expressed optimism about BVI retaining its position as Greater China’s preferred offshore financial jurisdiction by the end of 2025.
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Premier's Remarks – HK Financial Services Round Table
The Premier of the Virgin Islands welcomed financial services representatives in Hong Kong, emphasizing the importance of Hong Kong and Mainland China to BVI’s financial industry. He highlighted BVI’s ongoing engagement with regulatory changes and its commitment to maintaining high international standards. The Premier outlined the political approach to the financial services industry, stressing its economic importance and adherence to international regulations. He affirmed BVI’s dedication to protecting the industry’s integrity, safeguarding clients’ security, and dispelling any misrepresentations. The Premier expressed optimism that BVI would retain its position as Greater China’s preferred offshore finance jurisdiction by the end of 2025.
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Tourism Community Meetings To Be Held In VG On Monday
The Ministry for Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development will hold a National Tourism Policy Consultation Meeting on March 17, 2025, at the Virgin Gorda Catholic Community Centre. This meeting is part of a series aimed at gathering input from stakeholders to shape the National Tourism Policy. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the importance of the consultations in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The meeting will address various tourism-related issues, and the public, including residents, tourism professionals, and environmental groups, are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
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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.