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STATEMENT IN OBSERVANCE OF WORLD DIABETES DAY
Today, The Virgin Islands joins the global community in observing World Diabetes Day 2025 under the theme “Diabetes Across Life Stages.” This year’s theme highlights the reality that diabetes affects people from all walks of life. It does not discriminate, affecting individuals of every age, gender and background, from our youngest children to our most senior citizens. That is why it calls for a unified and comprehensive response from all of us.
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Premier Addresses House of Lords Constitution Committee
Premier of The Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, appeared before the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee on Wednesday, 11th February to give evidence as part of its review of the 2023 UK–Overseas Territories Joint Declaration. The document is a framework for a "modern partnership" based on shared democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law between the UK and its Overseas Territories.
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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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Government of the Virgin Islands Upgrades its Strong Credit Rating
The Government of the Virgin Islands has received an upgraded credit rating of CariAA- (Foreign and Local Currency) with a stable outlook from the Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS), reflecting higher creditworthiness relative to regional peers. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley attributed this improvement to strong fiscal management, economic resilience, and strategic governance. Contributing factors include a robust tourism sector, stable financial services, dollarisation, low public debt, and adherence to the Protocols for Effective Financial Management. The rating reinforces the Territory’s commitment to sustainable economic development and responsible financial stewardship.
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Virgin Islands to Host Caribbean HR Professionals Conference
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), will host a regional Tourism Human Resources conference in the Virgin Islands from 28th -31st October, 2025.
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Karia J. Christopher Appointed Director of Communications
Mrs. Karia J Christopher has been appointed as Director of Communications within the Premier’s Office. Mrs. Christopher’s appointment comes following a period of rotation to perform the duties of the role.
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Department of Culture Endorses New Health Resource to Combat NCDs in the Virgin Islands
The Department of Culture has announced its support of a new book to be launched here on 30th April: “Healing the Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases.”
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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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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.