In 1991, it was very expensive to call the Virgin Islands from Jamaica. The price was well worth it for the family of Clive Ferdinand Watson, who would call him …
Continue reading “Daughter seeks info on sailor killed in 1991”
February 6, 2024
December 27, 2023
TRC launches survey on satellite comms
To assess the territory’s interest in using satellite technology for communication services, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission last week invited the public to give feedback via a survey that is accessible …
December 27, 2023
2023 cruise numbers likely to set record
A new record for cruise passenger arrivals is expected this year, and 2024 is looking to be even more promising for the industry, according to officials from the BVI Ports …
December 23, 2023
Lawmakers pass $470 million budget
Courts, pensions, resources for the opposition, roadworks and other infrastructure, healthcare, the airport expansion project, housing costs and more were debated for nearly two days before the House of Assembly …
December 14, 2023
Virgin Islands pushes back after company register criticism
Last Thursday during a back- bench business debate in the United Kingdom House of Commons, some UK parliamentarians criticised overseas territories for not establishing public registers of beneficial ownership this …
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December 11, 2023
Virgin Atlantic flies ‘sustainable’ flight
Last week, Virgin Atlantic announced that it had flown the world’s first commercial plane fully powered by “sustainable aviation fuel” from London to New York. But critics described the flight …
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December 11, 2023
Constitutional review report now complete
The Constitutional Review Commission has completed and submitted its final report, which will soon go to Cabinet and then be tabled in the House of Assembly for debate, according to …
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December 5, 2023
International companies eye airport business case
Nearly 50 people from 15 companies around the world attended a pre-tender meeting to discuss a planned business case for the proposed expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. …
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December 4, 2023
Government aims to relaunch business bureau next year
Next year the government hopes to relaunch the National Business Bureau, which hasn’t been operational since 2019, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said last week in his budget address. “In …
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November 29, 2023
Seven Seas getting nearly $1 million monthly on top of water cost
In addition to the cost of water, government is dishing out nearly $1 million per month to Seven Seas Water for operations and maintenance at the Paraquita Bay desalination plant, …
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November 29, 2023
Virgin Gorda gets new flights to Puerto Rico
From Thursday to Monday during this tourism season, travellers will be able to fly between Virgin Gorda and Puerto Rico aboard eight-seater planes operated by the Connecticut-based airline Tradewind Aviation. …
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November 24, 2023
The 2024 budget includes spending of $447 million
For a new Halls of Justice, nearly $9 million. For water system improvements, nearly $5 million. For ongoing work on the new National Emergency Operations Centre and the new West …
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November 17, 2023
Government promises to tackle high insurance costs
As natural disasters caused by climate change drive up insurance prices here and abroad, the government is planning a raft of measures to ease the burden in the Virgin Islands, …
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November 16, 2023
Committee to review minimum wage
Someone earning minimum wage in the Virgin Islands would make $240 per week while working full-time. In one month, that number would be about $960 before taxes and social security. …
November 14, 2023
Anti-money laundering report set for 2024
A long-awaited anti-money-laundering report crucial to the financial services industry’s international reputation will be finalised and published by early next year, according to Deputy Premier Lorna Smith. “The British Virgin …
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November 14, 2023
Government wants feedback on crown land policy
A draft policy on crown land is now posted on the government’s website, and leaders have been gathering public input before finalising it. To that end, meetings were held around …
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November 10, 2023
Six of 53 apprentices offered jobs
Six of 53 apprentices in various public agencies obtained full-time employment in recent months through government’s Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development (RATED) Programme, according to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” …
November 10, 2023
West End Ferry Terminal designs finalised
The designs for the new West End ferry terminal have been finalised, and bidding will start soon to select a contractor to build the facility by mid-2026, according to Communications …
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November 6, 2023
United Kingdom receives advice on territories, again
As part of efforts to strengthen the overseas territories’ voice in the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, a UK parliamentary committee recently heard testimony from a university professor and the …
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November 3, 2023
Vessel licensing act to be amended
Planned amendments to a 1992 law will aim to reform maritime regulations while promoting a “flourishing” marine industry in the territory, according to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. On Tuesday …
November 3, 2023
Opposition urges government to borrow
Water woes, crime, dilapidated infrastructure, economic questions, health issues and many other topics were addressed during a press conference hosted last week by opposition members. “Right now, this country is …
October 28, 2023
East End roads to get better. Here’s how:
The road between Hodges Creek and Paraquita Bay will get a much-needed facelift by late April after government awarded a $2.3 million contract to Northam Construction for road rehabilitation, officials …
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October 28, 2023
European Union removes Virgin Islands from blacklist
Last week, the European Union removed the Virgin Islands from its blacklist of “non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes” more than eight months after giving the territory the designation in February. …
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October 26, 2023
$5.9 million contracted for East End sewage treatment
As part of efforts to tackle a decades-long struggle with wastewater treatment, government signed two contracts worth $5.9 million last week: one to manage and operate the wastewater treatment plant …
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October 24, 2023
Virgin Islands represented at the Annapolis Sailboat Show
After government officials attended a boat show in Monaco in late September, representatives from the Virgin Islands continued to market the territory as a top sailing destination last weekend at …
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