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 14, 2025
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
Planned yachting reforms draw fire
Boating businesses here and abroad are crying foul over government plans to overhaul the rules for the marine industry in Virgin Islands waters. Three bills introduced recently in the House …
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 20, 2025
Auditor general probing salary error
Auditor General Sonia Webster is investigating how the government dramatically underestimated the cost of public-service salary increases awarded last year, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. He made the disclosure …
February 20, 2025
West End port bids dwarf budget
After more than 15 years of broken promises and false starts, the future of the long-delayed West End ferry terminal has been thrown into serious doubt once again after private-sector …
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 13, 2025
UN mission weighs in on independence
When a three-member United Nations mission visited the Virgin Islands for the first time nearly 50 years ago, it found that a major obstacle in the territory’s path toward independence …
February 10, 2025
HOA defied ex-guv on interests register
Last year, legislators quietly defied former governor John Rankin on a key governance reform, ignoring his request to boost transparency by scrapping stringent rules that restrict public access to their …
February 10, 2025
Premier says he never suspected Fahie
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley never suspected Andrew Fahie of any wrongdoing despite working closely with him in the years leading up to his 2022 arrest on drug-conspiracy charges in Miami, …
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 31, 2025
Government spreads word about COI reforms
As the government continues implementing the reforms recommended by the 2022 Commission of Inquiry report, it will also work to educate residents about the effort and seek public input on …
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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 23, 2025
No-confidence vote still in works
On Friday, opposition members repeated a claim they have been making for four months, insisting that Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley should be ousted over his alleged failure to tackle rising …
January 16, 2025
Police, cybercrime bills rushed through HOA
Over the past 10 days in the House of Assembly, the government fast-tracked two bills designed to boost law enforcers’ authority, drawing criticism from opposition members irked by Premier Natalio …
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January 13, 2025
Tourism plan delayed again
As the government gears up to host a tourism summit next week, the completion target for a long-delayed national tourism plan has been pushed forward again — this time until …
January 2, 2025
Economy takes centre stage at budget debate
The House of Assembly passed the 2025 budget with amendments on Dec. 19 after a lengthy debate over two days that touched on the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, the minimum wage …
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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 12, 2024
Santa comes to town
Residents got into the holiday spirit over the weekend as they browsed vendor stalls, enjoyed musical performances, and received gifts from Santa Claus during the 26th annual Christmas in the …
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 28, 2024
Three airport options unveiled at public meetings
The government’s latest proposals to expand the runway at the Virgin Islands’ main airport were unveiled at a public meeting the evening of Nov. 26, but major details about the …
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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 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 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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