All vessel operators, charter companies, visiting charters, and bareboaters are reminded of their legal obligation to report all marine accidents and incidents occurring in Virgin Islands waters.
The Virgin Islands will implement the OECD’s updated Common Reporting Standard (CRS 2.0) effective 1st January 2026, requiring Financial Institutions to collect new data throughout 2026 and submit it to the International Tax Authority by May 2027. Key changes include expanded definitions to cover digital products, crypto-assets, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), enhanced due diligence procedures, and clarified reporting requirements. These updates align with the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act, Revised Edition 2020. The Virgin Islands has also committed to adopting the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) by 2028.
Good morning and thank you for joining me at Government House this morning. Let me begin by providing updates on security-related matters including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the prison, HMP Balsam Ghut, and after I’ll say a few words about last week’s visit to the Virgin Islands by Mr. Robbie Bulloch, Director of the Overseas Territories at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – his first visit to the British Virgin Islands.
The community of Anegada is notified that a representative from the Water and Sewerage Department and a representative from the Department of Information Technology will be visiting on Wednesday, 5th November, to assist with online payment registration and online payments.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is inviting tenders for the Roof and Drain Cleaning at Francis Lettsome Primary School (FLPS) located at Green Land, Tortola, Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission is excited to announce the return of BVI Restaurant Week, happening from 28 June to 5 July 2025. As part of the BVI Food Fete Culinary Series, this vibrant event celebrates Tortola’s diverse food scene with curated dining experiences, themed days, and prix-fixe menus at nearly 40 participating restaurants. Under the theme “Your Belly Knows Best ~ The Perfect Week for Perfect Dining,” the week will feature local ingredients, cocktails, entertainment, and a “Foodie Passport” prize giveaway to encourage exploration. Restaurant Week is the third event in the BVI Food Fete series and reinforces the BVI’s growing appeal as a top destination for culinary and cultural tourism.
As Premier of the Virgin Islands, I was pleased to visit London for a series of productive engagements with the United Kingdom Government, Members of Parliament, and fellow leaders of the Overseas Territories, focused on governance reform, the fight against illicit finance, and the shared priorities of the Territories.
On June 3, 2025, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, announced the launch of the Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide and Dietary Guidelines during the Fifth Sitting of the House of Assembly. The Guide is a key part of the Territory’s strategy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease by promoting balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Built around five core food groups, it encourages the consumption of local, nutritious foods and supports national goals of food security and public health. It will serve as a standard tool in schools, healthcare, and community programmes, with further plans to introduce a protected essential food basket to make healthy options more accessible. The Minister emphasized that the Guide is not just a document but a call to action for individuals, families, and communities to build a healthier Virgin Islands.
The Safe Haven Transitional Centre will host another Community Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, 19 November from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Vulnerable members of the community are invited to visit the Centre to enjoy a free bowl of soup and a moment of fellowship.
The National Security Council (NSC) will officially launch the Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit with a Youth Rally this Friday, August 15.