A review of duties on essential items imported into the territory is likely to come soon, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Responding recently to concerns about the high cost …
December 5, 2024
December 5, 2024
Base wage increase delayed
A surprise move this week saw the long-heralded boost to the minimum wage indefinitely delayed without an explanation from Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. The announcement, which drew fire from the …
November 29, 2024
Premier hails ‘reset’ with Britain
Britain is seeking a “reset” of relations with the Virgin Islands and other overseas territories, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said following discussions in London between United Kingdom ministers and OT …
November 22, 2024
Launching career expo, BVIEC promises to do better
Amid a recruitment drive designed to attract new workers, the BVI Electricity Corporation has promised to “raise its game” after facing challenges in recent months. The BVIEC’s billing system was …
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November 21, 2024
Peter Island to reopen in 10 days
Peter Island Resort didn’t manage to relaunch last month as planned, but it is nevertheless gearing up to open its doors before Christmas. The “reimagined” and remodeled property is set …
November 21, 2024
Premier seeks ‘respect’ at London summit
Seeking respect for the Virgin Islands is at the top of the government’s agenda at a key summit in London this week as several United Kingdom parliamentarians push for the …
November 19, 2024
Back-to-work programme to get $2 million this year
More than $2 million will be spent this year on a programme aimed at helping the unemployed back to work, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said. During his Monday budget address, …
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November 15, 2024
New incorporations spiked in Q2
The number of new companies incorporated in the Virgin Islands rose sharply in the second quarter of 2024, according to figures released recently by the Financial Services Commission. The tally …
November 14, 2024
Premier pushes ‘privacy’ ahead of register reforms
Measures originally aimed at shining a light on the owners of Virgin Islands-registered companies will be carefully tailored to “balance privacy,” Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said Monday in an apparent …
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November 14, 2024
Boosted by $100m loan, budget nears half-billion
A $100 million loan and expected tourism growth will mean the Virgin Islands can push ahead next year with long-delayed infrastructure works and other projects that will stimulate the economy, …
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November 14, 2024
UK leaves direct rule on table until 2025
London will not decide until next year whether to lift its threat to impose direct rule on the Virgin Islands, according to United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty. The …
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November 8, 2024
Firms’ failure to file financials sparked urgent bill
Urgent legislation has been triggered after it emerged that up to 30 percent of companies registered in the Virgin Islands were on track to miss a deadline for submitting financial …
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November 4, 2024
Opportunity, risk seen in virtual assets
Virtual asset businesses could provide a big boost to the Virgin Islands’ financial industry, but they must comply with international standards in order to avoid damaging the territory’s reputation, stakeholders …
October 31, 2024
Money watchdog to get new powers
The BVI Financial Investigation Agency is expected to get extra powers to combat money crime and terrorism financing under a bill the House of Assembly passed on Tuesday. Premier Dr. …
October 31, 2024
Insults fly as no-confidence vote bumped again
Heated exchanges erupted in the House of Assembly on Tuesday evening after Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley suddenly changed the parliamentary agenda and further delayed a motion of no confidence …
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October 24, 2024
FirstBank glitch gives customers a scare
Many FirstBank VI customers woke Tuesday morning to find their account balances at zero due to a glitch the bank later described as an “operational issue.” Though officials were silent …
October 24, 2024
Trident downsizing hold ‘lessons,’ Smith says
Recent downsizing at one of the territory’s largest financial services firms shows that the sector needs to be adaptable and diverse, then-deputy premier Lorna Smith said Friday. Trident Trust has …
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October 24, 2024
Premier fires Lorna Smith
A dramatic shake-up of the government yesterday saw Lorna Smith ousted as deputy premier and opposition member Julian Fraser crossing the floor of the House of Assembly to replace her. …
October 18, 2024
Quito’s to keep its groove after rebrand, say new owners
Quito’s Luxury Inn and Gazebo Restaurant are being formally relaunched under new names after they were purchased by a company chaired by Virgin Islands businessman Mark Vanterpool. The accommodation side …
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October 17, 2024
Beef Island flights taking off
Another regional airline has announced new routes to and from the Virgin Islands, further boosting the territory’s expanding connections to the rest of the Caribbean and beyond. The Haiti-headquartered carrier …
October 17, 2024
Opposition pushes protest to oust government
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has called for a mass show of public support tomorrow morning at the House of Assembly to back a motion of no confidence in the government. …
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October 16, 2024
Virgin Islands takes more action on money crime
New moves to combat financial crime have been hailed by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley as key to enhancing international confidence in the Virgin Islands. His comments came as the …
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October 10, 2024
US storms could disrupt shipping here
Extreme weather hitting the United States on the back of a major port strike along the country’s eastern seaboard will likely disrupt shipping in the Virgin Islands in the coming …
October 10, 2024
Premier defends $100m borrow
Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has hit back at opposition criticism of a $100 million loan designed to boost the government’s long-delayed recovery from the hurricanes of 2017. His comments …
October 3, 2024
Record loan set to revamp infrastructure
The government will soon borrow a record-setting $100 million from CIBC Caribbean bank to boost infrastructure and facilities seven years after the twin hurricane strikes of 2017, officials announced this …
