Anyone harbouring plans for an exotic wedding at sea saw their dream get one step closer to reality on Thursday thanks to a law passed in the House of Assembly.

Lawmakers unanimously approved the Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2017, which updates numerous marriage regulations, including a stipulation that allows for weddings on the ocean, according to the most recently publicized draft of the bill.

The law also allows for same-day marriage licenses in the territory, making it possible for daytime cruise ship passengers to wed in the Virgin Islands. Government officials have touted the legislation as a necessary step towards promoting wedding tourism.

Limited Partnerships

On Thursday afternoon, lawmakers also debated the Limited Partnership Act, 2017, which is designed to overhaul the Partnership Act, 1996 and allow the territory to market LPs as an international investment vehicle.

“Even though we do quite well with the incorporation of companies, it can be seen as somewhat of a vulnerable product, and we don’t want to be a country in financial services at this level where we only have one main product that is sometimes vulnerable,” said Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn (R-at-large), who rose in support of the bill. “And so if we can look at ways to improve the product, add value, diversify the product, it’s a very good thing for the territory.”
Mr. Walwyn was the only contributor to the debate besides Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, who introduced the bill.

After the debate, lawmakers spent the rest of Thursday afternoon examining the bill in committee stage, which is not open to the public.

HOA is scheduled to resume on Monday at 1 p.m.

See the Dec. 14 edition for full coverage.

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