Though only first-time homeowners will now benefit, the House of Assembly recently voted to continue exempting belongers from paying stamp duty when buying land. Premier Andrew Fahie presented the Stamps …
Youth parliament gets new mentorship
A new leader will take charge of managing the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament. House of Assembly members voted on March 10 to replace House Speaker Julian Willock as chair of …
HOA okays government contracts for 2 members
Two House of Assembly members got the green light for their businesses to secure government contracts during a March 10 sitting. House Deputy Speaker Neville Smith was exempted from vacating …
Continue reading “HOA okays government contracts for 2 members”
HOA debating food security bill
New legislation making its way through the House of Assembly could result in significant changes to how people in the Virgin Islands grow, catch, raise, import, export and sell food. …
3 years later, climate fund board to be re-formed
After about three years of inactivity, the Climate Change Trust Fund board may soon be getting the members it needs to operate again. The body, which was created through the …
Continue reading “3 years later, climate fund board to be re-formed”
Women’s Day celebrates climate change leaders
The government placed a special focus on the progress women have made in the arenas of climate change and disaster risk management while celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. …
Continue reading “Women’s Day celebrates climate change leaders”
‘Sea defence’ planned in Carrot Bay
Quick fixes carried out after Hurricane Irma helped make Carrot Bay’s battered coastal road driveable, but this week Public Works Department officials unveiled a longer-term plan they said will stabilise …
VI cycling programme launches
Hoping to inspire excitement about cycling, Barry Jones has been spending his weekends helping people of all ages find their balance and learn the sport. On Feb. 27, 6-year-old Caleb …
Penn: Funds lacking for West End terminal
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said on Feb. 21 that funding available for the recently unveiled West End ferry terminal project likely won’t cover a quarter of the actual cost. Mr. …
Continue reading “Penn: Funds lacking for West End terminal”
VG eco-park looks to innovate
Raindrops cascaded over lush vegetable gardens and several large garbage bins filled to the brim with empty glass bottles on Feb. 4 at The Valley, Virgin Gorda eco-park while Green …
Tourism numbers ‘very healthy,’ premier says
Premier Andrew Fahie provide an update on tourism numbers at a Feb. 11 press conference, which he said are “very healthy and encouraging.” In 2021, the Virgin Islands received almost …
Continue reading “Tourism numbers ‘very healthy,’ premier says”
Cabinet Briefs (Jan. 7, 2022)
Governor John Rankin chaired a virtual Cabinet meeting Jan. 7. All members were present and took the following actions, according to a summary published in the Gazette on Feb. 10. …
Leaders keep pushing for sustainability bill
About 98 percent of produce stocked on shelves at Virgin Islands stores comes from outside the territory, but government leaders hope to address longstanding challenges for the farming and fishing …
Continue reading “Leaders keep pushing for sustainability bill”
RDA CEO backs planned WE ferry look
In a follow-up to the Feb. 6 public meeting where German firm INROS Lackner S.E. unveiled plans for a contemporary West End ferry terminal, planners offered more details about the …
Education reform highlighted at memorial
With waves crashing against the rocks, community members dressed all in white tossed bouquets of pink and yellow flowers into the sea on Feb. 13 to memorialise victims of the …
Six-shuttle fleet launches in Road Town
What started as a temporary test run around the holidays a few years ago has turned into a free, regularly scheduled public shuttle service for Road Town. Leaders stepped aboard …
West End terminal designs unveiled
Some online commenters celebrated the possibility of soon getting a modern, 12,000- square-foot West End ferry terminal when updates were given at a public meeting on Feb. 6. “This will …
The 3 Cs: Governor talks Covid, COI, crime
Managing the pandemic, keeping up with the Commission of Inquiry, and overseeing changes within the public service made for a busy first year in office for Governor John Rankin. Mr. …
Continue reading “The 3 Cs: Governor talks Covid, COI, crime”
Dame Janice opens law year for last time
Dame Janice Pereira, who is starting her 10th and final year of serving as chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, virtually opened a new law year on Jan. …
PAW BVI founder honoured by Queen
Natasha Ruscheinski, founder of the Virgin Islands organisation responsible for sending hundreds of pets to new homes before and during the pandemic, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for …
COI report delayed 3 more months
Another delay of the Commission of Inquiry report that would have been due this month means it may not be delivered until April, Governor John Rankin said Tuesday. The delay …
Virgin Islands first in region to sign new United Nations framework
The Virgin Islands became the first entity in the Eastern Caribbean to join a new United Nations effort to facilitate sustainable regional development when Premier Andrew Fahie signed a framework …
Continue reading “Virgin Islands first in region to sign new United Nations framework”
Government aims for growth in 2022 budget
Two contrasting pictures of the territory’s economic future emerged during the budget debate this week in the House of Assembly. Government legislators described 2021 as a successful year despite the …
Continue reading “Government aims for growth in 2022 budget”
Sports complex getting an HVAC upgrade
A breath of fresh air is coming to the Multi-purpose Sports Complex with the pending installation of a new HVAC system, but that may not be the only change coming …
Cyber attacks ‘becoming more sophisticated’
Every business is vulnerable to cybersecurity threats regardless of its size, and Virgin Islands businesses should assess their risks and invest in appropriate preventive measures, two VI executives said during …
Continue reading “Cyber attacks ‘becoming more sophisticated’”