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Statement by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports on HLSCC Relationships with UK Universities & Colleges
On June 3, 2025, Minister Sharie B. de Castro provided an update on the Ministry of Education’s strategic efforts, in collaboration with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), to expand educational opportunities through partnerships with UK universities and colleges. Responding to U.S. visa uncertainties, the Ministry has prioritized UK options where Virgin Islanders benefit from reduced “home fee” tuition. Key outcomes include a new Memorandum of Understanding with Richmond American University London, allowing HLSCC graduates to enter directly into the third year of a bachelor's programme, and promising discussions with institutions like the University of Westminster, London Metropolitan University, and technical colleges. These partnerships aim to provide more affordable, relevant, and efficient pathways for higher education and workforce development.
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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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A Tribute to a True Son of the Soil – The Late Hugo Vanterpool by Premier Wheatley
As Premier and Minister of Finance, Minister responsible for Agriculture, Ecclesiastical Affairs, Culture, Tourism and Trade, and as a former Minister for Education, I pause today to pay tribute to one of our illustrious sons, Mr. Hugo Vanterpool, who departed this life on Friday, 24th April, 2026.
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Premier's Press Statement At 7 November 2025 Press Conference
Press Statement by Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance At Press Conference on 07 November 2025 1. Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) I will be leading a delegation to London from 24 to 28 November to participate in the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), a political meeting of OT Leaders, the Minister for Overseas Territories, the Right Honourable Stephen Doughty and other UK Ministers, and other respective delegations. The week will consist of a bilateral meeting with Minister Doughty, a meeting of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), of which I serve as President, the JMC itself and other meetings on matters of interest to the Virgin Islands.
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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.