Cybercrime law
Before former Governor Boyd McCleary left the territory, he assented to a bill that strengthens penalties against computer crimes and possession of child pornography.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, which was amended amid widespread concerns that it would have hindered freedom of speech, will take effect Sept. 1.
Economic sanctions
The Financial Services Commission issued statements Aug. 13 detailing the status of weapons embargos and economic sanctions that bar Virgin Islands residents and firms from doing business with several foreign countries. According to the FSC, sanctions remain in place against the governments of Iran and North Korea due to their pursuit of nuclear weapons; against Syria, where a civil war is causing thousands of deaths; and against Guinea for election-related violence allegedly supported by Alpha Conde, the country’s president. Additionally, arms embargoes are still in place against the governments of Somalia and the Central African Republic for alleged human rights abuses. In Liberia and Sierra Leone sanctions previously levied against governments there due to civil wars have been lifted following the institution of democratic elections. In Zimbabwe, where the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe has long been criticised by human rights groups, the United Kingdom first ordered a “temporary” lift of sanctions on March 27, 2013 after Mr. Mugabe allowed Zimbabwean voters to participate in a constitutional referendum. The vote instituted reforms that may limit the power of Zimbabwe’s president in the future. Additionally, in Burma, where a military dictatorship has devolved power to an elected government, economic sanctions have been lifted, but an arms embargo remains in effect, according to the FSC.
{fcomment}