BVI News

Archive for February, 2025

Auditor General probing government’s $20M budget error

Auditor General probing government’s $20M budget error

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the Auditor General is examining the circumstances surrounding a $20 million budget discrepancy linked to the implementation of salary increases for public officers. Speaking on a recent radio programme, Premier Wheatley clarified that […]

by / on February 6, 2025 at 7:17 AM /
Guyana lifts visa requirements for BVI, says gov’t

Guyana lifts visa requirements for BVI, says gov’t

Following public criticism over an apparent one-sided immigration deal between the British Virgin Islands and Guyana, the government says Guyana has confirmed that Virgin Islanders no longer require a visa to visit the country. The BVI lifted visa restrictions for […]

by / on February 6, 2025 at 7:13 AM /
Crown land lease prices rise due to COI reforms, says Fraser

Crown land lease prices rise due to COI reforms, says Fraser

The cost of leasing Crown lands in the British Virgin Islands has significantly increased following the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations, according to Deputy Premier Julian Fraser. Speaking at the Governance Reform Education & Awareness Transformation of […]

by / on February 5, 2025 at 9:31 AM /
Works Minister apologises for Hodges Creek road delay

Works Minister apologises for Hodges Creek road delay

Minister for Communication and Works Kye Rymer has apologised to residents and motorists for delays in the Hodges Creek Road project. The project, which has been delayed for months, has left commuters frustrated and angry because officials have not provided […]

by / on February 5, 2025 at 7:52 AM /
Concerns raised over procurement for police vehicle repairs

Concerns raised over procurement for police vehicle repairs

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is struggling to repair its ageing fleet due to delays caused by the procurement process, raising concerns over the efficiency of law enforcement operations in the territory. During a Standing Finance Committee meeting, […]

by / on February 5, 2025 at 7:48 AM /
UK MPs threaten Order in Council over BVI registers

UK MPs threaten Order in Council over BVI registers

The BVI is facing mounting pressure from UK Members of Parliament (MPs) over their proposed framework for a public register of company ownership. According to a report in the UK Guardian, British MPs have accused the territory of attempting to […]

by / on February 5, 2025 at 7:43 AM /
Taxis must now join designated association to operate at airport

Taxis must now join designated association to operate at airport

The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) has announced that all taxi operators wishing to continue working at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island must join the designated Airport Taxi Association by February 17. According to BVIAA Corporate Administrator […]

by / on February 5, 2025 at 6:26 AM /
New tax system launch plagued with technical issues

New tax system launch plagued with technical issues

The government recently launched the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAS) 3.0 to modernise tax collection, but technical issues during the rollout have caused frustration among residents and businesses. SIGTAS 3.0 was designed to automate tax processes, including e-registration, […]

by / on February 4, 2025 at 7:42 AM /
Auditor General: No financial statements received since 2018

Auditor General: No financial statements received since 2018

Auditor General Sonia Webster said her office had not received any financial statements beyond 2018, leaving a gap in financial reporting and accountability. Webster, who appeared before the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) late last year, said her office had requested […]

by / on February 4, 2025 at 7:20 AM /
Fewer than 70 students enrolled at VI’s Tech School

Fewer than 70 students enrolled at VI’s Tech School

The Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies is grappling with significantly low student enrolment, with fewer than 70 students currently enrolled, officials have told the Standing Finance Committee (SFC). This issue was raised during the SFC’s meeting late last year, […]

by / on February 4, 2025 at 7:10 AM /