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Statement by Premier Wheatley At the Contract Signing For Design Services For The Landing Site At The Omar Hodge Fishers’ Wharf And The Road Town Master Plan
Today is a meaningful day in the life of our Territory. We gather to witness the signing of two important contracts that mark two significant milestones in the continued development and transformation of the Virgin Islands.
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Applications for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme
The Department of Immigration is now accepting applications for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme for the upcoming Christmas vacation period, December 2025.
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Supply of Transportation Services for ESHS Students from East End and Belle Vue
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is inviting tenders for the Supply of Transportation Services for Elmore Stoutt High School Students: East End and Belle Vue to the Elmore Stoutt High School located at Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
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Remarks of the Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith for the Opening Ceremony of the Tourism Summit, Peter Island
The speaker welcomed attendees to the Tourism Summit, emphasizing the importance of tourism in the Virgin Islands' economy and its impact on communities. Highlighting the contributions of past pioneers, the speaker stressed the need for innovation, capacity-building, and environmental conservation to sustain the industry. Key goals include improving education and training, embracing new technologies, and enhancing customer service. The speaker encouraged active participation in the summit and collective responsibility to shape a sustainable future for tourism, with a focus on preserving the Virgin Islands' unique assets and ensuring its continued growth.
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Ministry Of Environment Seeks Standing Committee Members
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change is inviting applications for membership on the Standing Committee of the Crown Lands Advisory Board, as established under the Crown Lands Management Act, 2024. The available positions represent Anegada, North Sound (Virgin Gorda), Salt Island, and Nibbs Estate (Tortola). Applicants must have an Associate’s Degree, strong decision-making abilities, and the capacity for research and reporting. Candidates must be Virgin Islanders or have ancestral connections to the specified islands. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2025. For more details, applicants should email their cover letter and resume to the Ministry.
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Jerome Padmore Appointed Chief Marine Accident and Safety Officer
Mr. Jerome Padmore has been appointed Chief Marine Accident and Safety Officer within the Premier’s Office, responsible for Maritime and Shipping Administration. With over 17 years of law enforcement experience and expertise in marine safety and accident investigation, Mr. Padmore will oversee marine accident investigations, safety procedures, and collaborate with stakeholders to improve maritime safety. His appointment will help address long-standing maritime compliance issues. He holds certifications in Marine Safety Accident Investigation and is pursuing post-graduate certification in Accident Investigation. The government remains committed to improving maritime safety in the Virgin Islands.
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BVI Defends Its Record And Commitment To Global Financial Services Regulation
The BVI Government strongly denies recent allegations portraying the territory as a rogue state, refuting claims of facilitating corruption and disregarding global financial standards. The BVI has a 40-year track record of adhering to international transparency standards and participating in initiatives like US FATCA and the Common Reporting Standard. The territory has over 100 tax information exchange agreements and has invested in a beneficial ownership platform to support global law enforcement. The BVI's financial services industry is highly regulated, and it collaborates with the UK’s National Crime Agency and other agencies in anti-corruption efforts. The BVI also imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the Ukraine invasion. The government stresses the importance of global cooperation to tackle financial crime effectively.
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Honourable Luce Hodge Smith Statement on Miss BVI Pageant 2025
The Miss BVI Pageant Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, has announced that the Miss BVI Pageant will not take place in 2025 due to planning and participation challenges. Despite this, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to preserving the pageant's legacy and high standards. Appreciation was extended to Committee Chair Ms. Jno Lewis and her team for their dedication. The public will be updated on future plans, with anticipation for the pageant's return in 2026 to continue celebrating the talent and cultural pride of young Virgin Islands women.
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2025 Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme
The Department of Immigration is now accepting applications for the Student Vacation Visa Waiver Programme for the summer period, June to August 2025. Parents wishing to participate must apply at least three weeks before their child’s arrival. Eligible children must be 17 years or younger and currently enrolled in primary or secondary school abroad. Required documents include a written request from the parent, travel itinerary (departing no later than August 31), copies of the parent's passport bio page and immigration permit, accommodation verification, a school letter indicating term dates, and the child’s birth certificate. Applications may be submitted via email to immigrationinfo@gov.vg or in person at the Department of Immigration Headquarters.
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Supply of Transportation Services for VISTS Students from Virgin Gorda
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is inviting tenders for the Supply of Transportation Services for Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies Students from Virgin Gorda: Road Town Jetty to the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) located at Baughers Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.