The Virgin Islands will likely feel blowback from recent turmoil on Wall Street sparked by United States President Donald Trump’s trade wars, experts have warned. Ahead of a threatened wave …
March 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
USVI charterers told to prep for rising fees
Leaders appear to be nearing a compromise in a bitter dispute over a planned fee increase for foreign-based charter boats using Virgin Islands waters. United States VI Lieutenant Governor Tregenza …
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March 18, 2025
Opportunity seen in Trump turmoil
United States President Donald Trump’s erratic handling of the US economy has drawn concern here and abroad, but some business leaders believe it could mean opportunity for the Virgin Islands’ …
March 14, 2025
Yacht fee hikes delayed after talks
A controversial plan to raise fees on foreign-based charter boats that operate in the Virgin Islands has been delayed after “intense” talks between Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley and United States …
March 7, 2025
Money-crime reforms to expand cops’ powers
Police surveillance powers are set to expand under one of three bills the House of Assembly passed Friday as part of ongoing efforts to comply with international anti-money-crime standards. The …
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March 6, 2025
As Trump starts trade war, Virgin Islands looks to DR
Amid fears of rising prices linked to sweeping United States tariffs that took effect this week, the Virgin Islands government is working to strengthen economic ties with the Dominican Republic, …
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March 3, 2025
New bill to strengthen customs’ power
New laws being brought in to comply with demands from global financial watchdogs are designed in part to balance civil liberties and transparency, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Mr. …
February 27, 2025
Asia trip hit back at hit job on Virgin Islands, premier says
A top-level trade delegation to the far east has succeeded in combating recent international “media attacks” on the reputation of the territory’s financial services industry, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” …
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February 21, 2025
S&P rating will bring investors, says premier
After receiving a high score from an influential global finance agency last week, the Virgin Islands will be seen as a “savvy investment,” according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Standard …
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February 20, 2025
Government hiring public relations firm to defend financial sector
The government will soon launch a public relations campaign to burnish the territory’s global image and push back against recent attacks on the financial services sector, according to Premier Natalio …
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February 14, 2025
Premier hits back at UK critics
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has hit back against claims that he says unfairly portray the Virgin Islands as a “rogue state” when it comes to fighting financial crime. Mr. Wheatley …
February 13, 2025
House clashes over money-crime bills
Heated House of Assembly exchanges this week saw Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley accuse some opposition members of wanting to the flush the financial services industry “down the drain.” The flashpoint …
February 7, 2025
As UK MPs push for fully public register, FSC boss warns against it
British parliamentarians are urging Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley to allow unrestricted public access to the company-ownership register set to launch by June, but the territory’s top financial regulator warned this …
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February 6, 2025
American Airlines sets record
American Airlines set a record on Saturday when it landed six Miami flights at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in one day. The milestone follows a broader upsurge in …
February 3, 2025
Bonds could fuel airport project, premier says
Government bonds could be issued to pay for the long-delayed expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. In an exclusive interview with the …
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January 30, 2025
After Atlantic crossing, Iona stops in VI
The Virgin Islands welcomed P&O cruise ship Iona last Thursday and Friday for the first time during her first Caribbean stop after crossing the Atlantic Ocean from the United Kingdom. …
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January 28, 2025
Premier brands UK anti-corruption czar ‘biased’
Britain’s newly appointed anti-corruption czar is “biased” against the Virgin Islands, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said last week when asked to respond to her recent criticisms of the territory. In …
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January 24, 2025
Government seeks input on company-register access
Ahead of public consultations on a plan to expand access to the territory’s company-ownership register by June, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has warned against granting unrestricted access until all other …
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January 20, 2025
Company register reforms set to spark debate
The “devil will be in the detail” as government moves to expand access to company ownership information this year while still leaving certain restrictions in place, experts said. The comments …
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January 6, 2025
Premier blames wage-boost delay on cost-of-living concerns
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has acknowledged that low-paid workers were let down by the government’s sudden decision to delay a minimum-wage increase just before Christmas, but he said the planned …
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December 20, 2024
Chamber seeks answers on minimum wage
Business leaders are seeking answers after the government suddenly delayed a much-vaunted increase in the minimum wage. Confusion still surrounds the reason for Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s decision to postpone …
December 13, 2024
Virgin Islands critic is new UK anti-corruption czar
A long-time critic of the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s new “Anti-Corruption Champion.” Baroness Margaret Hodge has pledged to end “dither and delay” …
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December 12, 2024
LIAT return hailed as tourism boost
The Virgin Islands’ soaring air connectivity received another uplift this week as LIAT Airlines returned to the skies over Beef Island. Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley hailed the move as a …
December 6, 2024
Vanterpool ‘bullish’ on tourism as hotel launches
As businessman Mark Vanterpool launched his newly acquired hotel on Friday, he expressed optimism about the territory’s tourism industry but noted ongoing challenges with the physical appearance of many areas. …
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December 5, 2024
Government to review cost of living
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 …
