When it comes to borrowing for major infrastructure projects, the Virgin Islands is trapped in a financial “straitjacket” imposed by the United Kingdom, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has claimed. The …
Premier cries ‘dictatorship’ as top cop demoted
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley compared Governor Daniel Pruce to a “dictator” as tensions between the two men exploded over Mr. Pruce’s decision to remove Jacqueline Vanterpool from the post of …
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March against cancer gets big support
Combatting cancer came to the fore over the weekend as more than 200 people took part in a fundraising march to fight the disease. The annual CIBC Caribbean Walk for …
Nanny Cay expansion breaks ground
Ground has been broken on a $30-$40 million development aimed at cementing Nanny Cay Resort and Marina’s place as the “heart of Caribbean yachting,” officials said. The expansion will see …
Crime rate surges amid shootings
The rate of certain serious crimes in the Virgin Islands has skyrocketed this year, but Governor Daniel Pruce insisted on Tuesday that authorities have the situation under control as he …
7,000-foot runway plan cleared for take-off
Acting on the purported advice of a partial business case that hasn’t been released to the public, the Cabinet has approved a dramatic expansion of the Virgin Islands’ main runway …
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Opposition backs premier on company register
The lives of business owners could be put at risk if the government allows full public access to the beneficial-ownership register it plans to launch by June, according to Opposition …
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‘This is our moment,’ premier tells CTO summit
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley knows the tourism industry from the inside, he said this week at a Road Town meeting for human-resources professionals from across the region. His experience, he …
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Walwyn wary on independence
Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has accused Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley of moving too quickly toward independence without the backing of the people of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Walwyn expressed concern …
DGO mum on role in legislators’ raises
The Deputy Governor’s Office has stayed mum on claims that its recommendations were the trigger for House of Assembly members to secretly award themselves raises that approximately doubled their salaries …
Premier urged to renounce ‘Greedy Bill’ salary payout
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley should keep his campaign promise not to take a “dime” of the post-term salary payments available to him under the law widely known as the “Greedy …
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Territory eyes Africa business
Virgin Islands financial services officials used two major events in London last week to push Africa as a potential major growth market for the territory. BVI Finance CEO Elise Donovan …
VI repped at fintech event in Singapore
At a recent showcase for fintech and digital assets in Singapore, a Virgin Islands delegation moved to position the territory as a reliable destination for investment in the fast-growing business …
Lorna Smith praised on Heroes Day
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley praised the Virgin Islands’ strides in the diplomatic world as he marked this year’s Heroes and Foreparents Day. Though the government didn’t hold an official celebration …
Food, rum festival leaves a good taste
A three-day celebration of food and fun saw rum, music and recipes flow across Tortola. The Village Cay and Rhythm and Sands Food, Wine and Rum Festival included an international …
Doughty’s digs draw backlash from HOA
A new war of words erupted between the House of Assembly and London after the United Kingdom threatened fresh action against the territory if the pace of ongoing public-sector reform …
Youths Urged To Bank On Success
The digital economy and youth empowerment were key focus points of World Investment Week in the Virgin Islands, according to BVI Finance. The global event, which takes place annually in …
Premier touts prospects for Prospect Reef
After two decades of controversy and false starts, ground should finally be broken on a new resort at Prospect Reef next year, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. A Cabinet …
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Premier open to scrapping HOA secrecy
Following growing backlash over legislative secrecy, the coming constitutional reforms could end the House of Assembly’s colonial-era practice of holding its most important deliberations behind closed doors. Premier Natalio “Sowande” …
Premier mum about cost of ‘Greedy Bill’
During a press conference on Oct. 3, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley promised to provide two key pieces of information about public spending under the controversial 2021 law widely known as …
Retired public officers to get pension boost
Retired public officers will soon receive a boost in their pensions, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said as he apologised for overlooking them when the government implemented controversial pay hikes last …
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Bellevue baker honoured as ‘unsung hero’
Community was the theme of the day as CIBC Caribbean named its 2025 Unsung Hero award winner at a special celebratory lunch last Thursday at Maria’s by the Sea. In …
UK debt-ratio deal crucial to airport project
The government’s hopes of extending the Beef Island runway could hinge on London loosening the Virgin Islands’ debt rules, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has signalled. Mr. Wheatley said he is …
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At UN meeting, premier eyes independence ‘timetable’
The Virgin Islands should set a date for a political-status referendum and discuss a “timetable for independence,” Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley suggested this week while speaking at the United Nations …
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Wheatley changes tune on ‘Greedy Bill’
During the 2023 election campaign, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley promised not to collect “a dime” of the lucrative post-term salaries that legislators had awarded themselves when they passed the so-called …