BVI News

Archive for December, 2022

Junior Trade Minister, Shereen Flax-Charles

$2M lost? Legislator laments wasted gov’t funds

Territorial At-Large Representative Shereen Flax-Charles has argued that $2 million may have been wasted by the government when it put those funds towards the purchase of land for the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) in Virgin Gorda two years ago. Back then, the […]

by / on December 21, 2022 at 8:23 AM /
Opposition legislator and former Works Minister, Mark Vanterpool.

Let my people go! Vanterpool pleads for BVI’s ‘freedom’

Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool has decried the Virgin Islands’ dependent status as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom (UK). “I want to say to United Kingdom – like the Lord sent Moses to speak to Pharaoh – I […]

by / on December 21, 2022 at 8:19 AM /
Second District Representative, Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull

Turnbull blasts authorities who are targeting fishers

Yet another legislator has criticised local legislation that governs fishing, saying it makes no sense and does not benefit fisherfolk who serve the community. The law that governs fishers is the Food Security & Sustainability Act (2022) which outlines a […]

by / on December 21, 2022 at 8:08 AM /
Visitors aboard a cruise ship docked in the BVI recently. (BVI News photo)

Cruise passengers should pay environmental levy — Flax-Charles

Junior Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Shereen Flax-Charles said it is time for cruise passengers to pay the environmental levy that all other visitors are made to pay on arrival in the territory. The monies collected from that tax […]

by / on December 21, 2022 at 7:55 AM /
Government legislator, Neville Smith

Budget won’t have impact on residents in need — Smith

Territorial At-Large Representative Neville ‘Sheep’ Smith has said the 2023 budget for the BVI does not have any plans or measures that will have any significant impact on the lives of ordinary people. Smith gave his opinion while making his […]

by / on December 21, 2022 at 7:47 AM /
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn

Penn ashamed at absence of Trellis Bay visitor centre

Government legislator and Eighth District Representative, Marlon Penn has once again called for urgent attention to be given to the Trellis Bay area on Beef Island which is often the first port of entry for hundreds of visitors each year. […]

by / on December 20, 2022 at 8:08 AM /
Fishers not benefitting from law that was passed for them

Fishers not benefitting from law that was passed for them

Territorial At-Large Representative Neville ‘Sheep’ Smith has called on the government to revisit the Food Security & Sustainability Act (2022) to ensure it is working for local fishers. The law was passed in April this year and aims to put […]

by / on December 20, 2022 at 7:59 AM /
Acting Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley

BVI to hold referendum on whether to legalise same-sex marriage

The British Virgin Islands may hold its very first referendum which will be used to determine whether same-sex marriage should be legal in the territory. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley made that announcement in a public broadcast Monday afternoon, December 19. […]

by / on December 20, 2022 at 7:55 AM /
Lawmakers to debate budget today

Lawmakers to debate budget today

Legislators are expected to begin debate on the 2023 budget today, December 20 in the House of Assembly (HOA) at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom. The $399.33 million budget is the first for Premier and Minister of […]

by / on December 20, 2022 at 7:54 AM /
Chair of the Constitutional Review Commission, Lisa Penn-Lettsome

Be careful! Constitutional upgrades can be costly

As residents continue to advocate for changes they’d like to see in the next version of the BVI’s constitution, they are being reminded that the government can be sued for breaching measures enshrined in that document. “The more things you […]

by / on December 20, 2022 at 7:50 AM /