Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley will be away from the Virgin Islands from February 14th to 23rd for high-level meetings in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau, and Malaysia to strengthen strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser will serve as Acting Premier from February 14th to 17th, and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer will act as Premier from February 18th to 23rd. The Premier’s delegation includes Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, and Honourable Marlon Penn. The Government aims to promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen the Virgin Islands' position as a global financial hub.
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI or the “Purchaser”) acting through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports (MEYAS) invites tenders for supplying Cleaning Supplies for Public Primary and Secondary Schools for 2025 - 2026 Academic Year, located at Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. (Hereinafter referred to as the “Goods”).
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye M. Rymer, addressed the Virgin Islands’ ongoing water crisis, acknowledging residents' struggles and declaring water a national critical priority. He announced a $8 million allocation for urgent infrastructure repairs under a broader $100 million loan, with a strategic plan focusing on leak reduction, pressure management, reservoir upgrades, and modernisation. The government aims to improve water reliability, quality, and transparency while engaging local talent and international partners. A temporary water incentive plan is also in development to support affected households.
Senior students at the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre (EHRLC) continue to benefit from a structured Work Programme designed to build practical skills, independence, and confidence through real-world work experience.
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.
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.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, members of the media. Thank you for joining us today Welcome to the second Press Conference for November 2025. Today, I will address several vital matters concerning our Virgin Islands.
Madam Speaker, the National Health Insurance marked its 10th anniversary with a week of activities held from 4th to 10th January, 2026. This milestone represented not merely an anniversary celebration, but a decade of unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our Territory. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on our roots, acknowledge our growth, and look ahead to the future of healthcare for all.
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.