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 …
Leak-detection workshop under way
Twenty plumbers from the public and private sectors registered for a leak-detection workshop that got under way this week as part of efforts to promote water conservation and improve infrastructure …
Virgin Islands represented at dive trade show
A team showcased the Virgin Islands’ reefs, wrecks and other dive sites during a trade show last week that drew thousands of people from around world. The Diving Equipment and …
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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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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 …
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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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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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 …
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. …
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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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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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 …
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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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 …
HLSCC offers course for managers
A one-year management course coming next month to H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is designed for supervisors who lead teams, but it is also accessible to less-experienced students pursuing further …
Artificial intelligence may help crack down on money crime
The BVI Financial Investigation Agency may soon use artificial intelligence to crack down on child sexual exploitation, human smuggling and other illicit activity as it intensifies its efforts following recent …
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Winair eyes new flights to Virgin Islands
The St. Maarten-based regional airline Winair is considering expanding its operations in the Virgin Islands, officials said. “We see significant growth potential in the British Virgin Islands,” Winair CEO Hans …
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Financial sector defended in London
A London meeting with more than 30 high-level figures from the British financial services sector was hailed a success by Deputy Premier Lorna Smith. The gathering at BVI House last …
Deadline set as work permits move online
Work-permit processing has finally gone online after years of false starts, and the government announced last week that the new digital system must be used for all renewals from the …
Anti-money-crime reforms rushed through HOA
Six bills intended to combat money crime and terrorism financing were rushed through the House of Assembly last week in a bid to avoid international sanction. Deputy Premier Lorna Smith …
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Businesses urged to prep for storms
With another three months of hurricane season stretching ahead, businesses in the territory have been warned to get their disaster plans up to speed. The call came as BVI Finance …
Warning sounded over cybercrime
Businesses in the Virgin Islands have been warned of a rising wave of cybercrime sweeping across the Caribbean. Digicel BVI CEO Mara Samaniego urged firms in the territory to strengthen …
Virgin Islands urged to match other OTs on company registers
The Virgin Islands could face an economic hit if it does not keep pace with other overseas territories as they expand access to their company registers in the coming months, …
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Flemming Street shops want flood relief
Shopkeepers in the commercial heart of Road Town have called for urgent strategic action to help stem the heavy loss of trade caused by regular flooding. Business owners on Flemming …
Virgin Islands heading for intense financial scrutiny, experts predict
The Virgin Islands is headed for increasingly intense international scrutiny despite a government drive to push through a raft of anti-financial-crime measures in the coming weeks, experts have warned. Deputy …
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