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.
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.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has provided an update on the significant strides made in the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport Expansion Project. Honourable Rymer in a Statement at the Tenth Sitting of the Second session of the Fifth House of Assembly said the transformative initiative is poised to bolster the Territory’s economic growth and resilience.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has provided an update on the progress made since the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands declared water a national critical priority.
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.
Improving employee health, wellness and productivity is at the centre of a new office renovation contract signed between the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) and Vanterpool Construction to facilitate the relocation of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change. The contract valued at $401,533.15 was awarded on Tuesday, 10 February, 2026, following a National (Domestic) Competitive Bidding process conducted in accordance with the RDA’s Procurement Policy and Procedures.
The Government of the Virgin Islands through the Road Town Partnership (RTP) Committee and the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Roundabout National Monument Design Competition.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has successfully hosted its first Contractor Orientation Session on the Code of Conduct for Contractors and Workers, alongside its Grievance Redress System (GRS), aimed at strengthening standards, accountability, and responsible project delivery across its portfolio.
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, announced that the Virgin Islands Cabinet has declared water infrastructure a National Critical Priority due to long-standing shortages affecting multiple communities. He acknowledged the decades-old issue of water loss from aging pipes and leaks and apologized for the hardships faced by residents. The government has committed to six key action areas—funding, coordination, reliability, quality, community engagement, and accountability—through the Water Optimisation Strategic Plan. Volunteer engineers from Operators Without Borders are on the ground assisting with assessments and repairs, while local talent is being empowered to support long-term solutions.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House, and the people of the Virgin Islands, of the Government’s approval and implementation of the Commercial Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Policy, entitled “From Land and Sea to Enterprise: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Agriculture and Fisheries.”