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Operation Restoration Continues At Long Bay, Beef Island
Restorative work at the Long Bay, Beef Island beach picnic area is expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2025 as part of the Operation Restoration Project. The project, funded by Unite BVI and the Government of the Virgin Islands, includes planting 150 native trees, creating parking spaces, and adding walk paths and picnic benches. Invasive neem trees were removed, and educational signage will be installed. Additional seagrape trees will be planted soon, and the public is urged to respect parking restrictions.
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Highest numbers since 2016 With Over One Million Visitors In 2024 January 14, 2025
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced that the Virgin Islands achieved a milestone in 2024 by welcoming over one million visitors, marking the second time this has been accomplished since 2016. Total tourist arrivals reached 1,092,139, a 9.8% increase from 2023. This growth was seen across all visitor categories: cruise ship visitors up 6.8%, overnight visitors up 16.7%, and day trippers up 35.1%. The Premier highlighted the resilience of the tourism sector and emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development. The Tourism Summit will further discuss the sector’s future.
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VI Government To Create A National Tourism Policy
The inaugural Tourism Summit, held on January 16-17 at Peter Island, laid the foundation for a National Tourism Policy to guide the sector's development. Public consultations will continue to finalize the policy by June 2025. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized tourism’s role in the economy, while Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith highlighted the importance of collaboration. Key initiatives include sustainable practices, empowering local communities, and enhancing visitor experiences. Over 330 stakeholders participated, and the summit marked a commitment to shaping a sustainable, inclusive tourism sector for the Virgin Islands.
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VI Government To Create A National Tourism Policy
The inaugural Tourism Summit held on January 16-17 laid the foundation for a National Tourism Policy, to be finalized by June 2025. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized tourism's importance to the economy. Key initiatives include sustainable practices, empowering local communities, and enhancing visitor experiences. Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith stressed the role of collaboration, noting that tourism is everyone’s business. The summit celebrated the recovery of Peter Island Resort and involved over 330 stakeholders, aiming for a sustainable, inclusive tourism sector that benefits all residents. The Ministry of Tourism is committed to responsible tourism and cultural preservation.
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Investing in Resilience, Not Disasters
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn advocates for investments in resilience, not disasters, in a statement for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025
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Government Moves to Establish a Permanent National Development Agency
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, has introduced legislation in the House of Assembly that will transform the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) into a permanent institution responsible for delivering nationally significant development and infrastructure projects across The Virgin Islands.
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Biosecurity Policy Consultations Meeting Take place
Biosecurity Policy Consultations Meeting Take place The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change held consultations on a draft Biosecurity Policy from 23 to 27 March 2026 with key stakeholders across the Territory. The Policy addresses biosecurity risks posed by increased travel and trade, expanding maritime activity, and climate change. It sets out the strategic framework for a modern, risk-based and unified biosecurity system for the Virgin Islands.
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Road Town Partnership Invites Public Input to Help Shape the Future of the Capital
The Road Town Partnership (RTP), a new public-private initiative launched by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, aims to revitalize Road Town into a cleaner, greener, and more pedestrian-friendly capital. Focused on infrastructure upgrades, enhanced public amenities, walkability, and sustainable waste management, the initiative brings together government, businesses, and community members. The first public consultation will be held on July 2 to gather feedback and shape the plan. With $1.2 million in initial government funding and support from the private sector, the RTP seeks to transform Road Town through collaborative action and long-term investment
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Honourable Smith Highlights Financial Services Resilience at Conference
Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Delivers Opening Address at Financial Services Conference
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VI 71st Emancipation Celebration to Start with Torchlight Procession
The Virgin Islands commences its 71st Emancipation Celebration with the Traditional Torchlight Procession followed by the official opening ceremony of the Neil Frett Festival Village, later today.