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Premier's Office - Service Charter

Service Charter
Sections

Title
Purpose & Commitment

Body
  • Vision: Lead a thriving Virgin Islands through coordinated governance and strategic planning.
  • Mission: Develop and coordinate cross-sectoral policies and programmes that promote sustainable development and a stable, prosperous society.
  • Commitment: Deliver services promptly, fairly, and professionally; maintain confidentiality; provide clear explanations for decisions; respond to inquiries; and continuously improve public perception and service quality.

Title
Core Responsibilities

Body
  • Provide policy advice on international affairs, communications, agriculture, fisheries, and cross-government initiatives.
  • Coordinate policy development and implementation across ministries and statutory boards.
  • Process government grants and expenditures.
  • Oversee government-wide public relations and communications.
  • Strengthen food security through agriculture and fisheries.

Title
Structure & Key Departments

Body

The Premier’s Office leads cross-government coordination and supports the Premier in legislative, policy, and programme delivery.
Main departments include:

  • Information & Public Relations (GIS): Public communication and transparency.
  • International Affairs Secretariat (IAS): External and international relations.
  • Agriculture & Fisheries: Food safety, sustainability, and environmental management.

Statutory agencies:

  • Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA): Post-disaster recovery projects.
  • Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA): Maritime safety and regulation.

Overseas Offices:

  • BVI London Office: Representation in the UK and Europe.
  • BVI Hong Kong Office: Representation in Asia, focused on financial services.

Title
Executive Leadership

Body

Includes the Permanent Secretary, Deputy and Assistant Secretaries, Strategy and Policy Lead, Chief Protocol Officer, Director of Communications, Finance and HR Officers. They ensure policy alignment and effective governance across ministries.

Title
Customer Service Standards & Behaviours

Body

The Charter emphasises a “SAFE” service approach:

  • Safety: Prioritise safety in all actions.
  • Authenticity: Be knowledgeable, proactive, and professional.
  • Friendliness: Be courteous, positive, and approachable.
  • Efficiency: Minimise delays and resolve issues quickly.

Service Standards:

  • Phone: Answer within 3 rings, identify ministry, and assist promptly.
  • In-person: Greet immediately; serve within 5 minutes if an appointment.
  • Written/email: Respond within 10 business days (written) or 3 days (oral); acknowledge delays and refer where necessary.

Title
Customer Rights & Responsibilities

Body

Your rights:

  • To be treated promptly, fairly, professionally, and truthfully.
  • To appeal decisions on applications.

Your role:

  • Submit complete applications, follow policies, treat staff respectfully, provide timely and accurate information, and meet all legal requirements.

Title
Feedback & Complaints

Body

The Premier’s Office values feedback to improve services. Complaints are handled confidentially and resolved as quickly as possible. Commendations and complaints can be submitted via the government’s “Rate Us” platform: https://rateus.gov.vg

Title
Key Units & Functions

Body

The Charter details roles of units such as:

  • Public Administration: Draft Cabinet papers, policy advice, and intergovernmental relations.
  • Strategy & Policy Development: Research, formulate, and evaluate policies.
  • Human Resources: Recruitment, training, performance management, and compliance.
  • Protocol & Event Coordination: Diplomatic and ceremonial functions.
  • Finance: Budget management, fiscal analysis, procurement, and invoicing.
  • Agriculture & Fisheries Management: Food security policies and climate adaptation.
  • Chief Marine Accident Investigator: Investigates marine accidents and coordinates safety efforts.

Title
Legislative Mandate

Body

The Premier’s Office oversees numerous laws including those related to agriculture, maritime affairs, disaster management, food security, public integrity, and more. It also administers adopted legislation such as church incorporations and Cabinet-approved policies on discretionary powers, statutory boards, and ministerial staff.

Title
Download

Body

The Service Charter of the Premier’s Office serves as both a public pledge and an operational guide. It sets clear service standards, defines citizen rights and responsibilities, details departmental roles, and reinforces the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability, and service excellence.

Contact Information

Premier's Office -

265 Waterfront Drive
Road Town 
Tortola VG1110
British Virgin Islands

Business Hours:

Monday - Friday  
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email: premier@gov.vg

Telephone: 1(284) 468-2152