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Virgin Islands Scholarship Deadline Extended To March 28
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports has extended the Virgin Islands Scholarship Programme application deadline to March 28 for the 2025/2026 academic year. The programme covers various priority areas such as Education, Health, Technology, Business, and more. Applicants can submit their applications online at https://bvigov.smapply.io or through the Government of the Virgin Islands website. The Ministry is committed to fostering education and community development.
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Three Bills Gazetted For Public Review
The Cabinet Office has announced that three bills—the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Cruising and Home Port Permit (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Customs Management and Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2024—are now available for public review. They were introduced in the House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, and published in the Virgin Islands Official Gazette on January 16, 2025. The bills can be accessed on the Gazette website. For more information, contact the Gazette Unit at 468-4336 or email gazette@gov.vg.
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Show And Tell Marriages, Living In Hell’ To Launch Next Week
Author Mrs. Venoria Todman will launch her new book, Show and Tell Marriages, Living in Hell, on March 26 at Village Cay Marina. The book explores the emotional challenges in modern marriages. The Virgin Islands Department of Culture supports local authors and encourages the community to attend the event and engage with Mrs. Todman.
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Payment Issues on BVIFars Portal – Alternative Options Available for Bulk Payments
The British Virgin Islands International Tax Authority (BVIITA) advises users of the BVIFARS portal about current issues with credit card payments for bulk transactions. Users experiencing difficulties should email payments@bviita.vg with the subject “BVIFARs Payment difficulties” and detail the problem. Only users with “FI permissions” can make payments on the portal. Entities enrolled in BVIFARS must pay the annual fee unless deactivation was requested by April 8, 2025, or approved otherwise. Real-time service status updates for BVIFARS are available on the ITA website. For inquiries, contact info@bviita.vg or call 1-284-394-4415.
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Eight Bills Gazetted For Public Review
The Cabinet Office announced that eight Bills are available for public review on the Virgin Islands Official Gazette website. These Bills were introduced and read a first time on February 11 and 13, 2025. The Bills are related to amendments in various areas, including drug trafficking, merchant shipping, criminal conduct, tobacco products, asset seizure, criminal justice cooperation, legal assistance, and customs management. For more information, contact the Gazette Unit at 468-4336 or email gazette@gov.vg.
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Publication of the Report of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization’s Visiting Mission to the British Virgin Islands
Premier Dr. Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley announced the publication of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization’s report following its visit to the British Virgin Islands in August 2024. The report assesses the Territory's decolonization progress and recommends implementing an education program on independence, establishing an independence timetable, engaging in talks with the UK, and considering a referendum on independence. The report will be debated in the House of Assembly and the government will host a public forum for views. The report is available on the Government’s website.
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Waste Management Accepting Bids for Security Cameras
The Department of Waste Management is accepting quotations for the supply and installation of 11 solar security outdoor cameras and 3 indoor security cameras at various waste management sites. The cameras must meet specific requirements, including solar power, Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity, and night vision. Quotations must be submitted in a sealed envelope by Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Interested businesses should include required documents such as product specifications and certificates. Submissions should be delivered to the Department of Waste Management on Tortola. For more information, contact the department at 284-468-4934.
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Public Officers Consulted on the Human Rights Commission Bill
Public officers in the Virgin Islands were consulted on the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 during a virtual Extra-Ordinary Meeting on February 26. The meeting provided a detailed presentation on the Bill, allowing officers to ask questions and understand its impact. Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome emphasized the importance of public officer feedback in shaping the final version of the legislation. The Bill aims to establish an independent commission to address human rights violations. Public meetings for wider consultation are scheduled, with the first set for March 12, and the public is encouraged to participate and submit feedback online.
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Financial Institutions to Prepare for Common Reporting Standards 2.0 Requirements
The Virgin Islands will implement the OECD’s updated Common Reporting Standard (CRS 2.0) effective 1st January 2026, requiring Financial Institutions to collect new data throughout 2026 and submit it to the International Tax Authority by May 2027. Key changes include expanded definitions to cover digital products, crypto-assets, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), enhanced due diligence procedures, and clarified reporting requirements. These updates align with the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, Revised Edition 2020. The Virgin Islands has also committed to adopting the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) by 2028.
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VI Government Seeks Competitive Security Company
26th March 2026 VI Government Seeks Competitive Security Company The Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking professional service from a qualified and reputable security company to Supply Security Services for the Transportation of Government Funds from various revenue collection sites on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegeda, and Jost Van Dyke for a period of two (2) years.