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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.