BVI News—News from BVI

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$50K reward offered as police intensify search for prison escapees

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of two fugitives who are considered armed and dangerous. Police said the reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of […]
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Armed robberies ‘major concern’ for businesses, says BVICCHA

Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), Sinclair Flemming, has described the recent rise in armed robberies as a “major concern” for businesses, warning that the incidents are undermining confidence among business owners and employees alike. […]
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Skelton Cline blasts gov’t over “shiggity” West End seawall project

Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has criticised the design of the new Cox Heath sea defence wall, arguing that the project obstructs scenic views and alters the character of one of Tortola’s coastal roadways. The wall is part of the government’s […]
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VIP gov’t solved many of BVI’s longstanding woes, says Premier

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended his administration’s track record, arguing that while some residents complain that key reforms are taking too long, his team has still managed to tackle several longstanding problems that previous administrations failed to address. Speaking […]
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Certain ministries should be housed on sister islands — Vanterpool

Re-emerging political hopeful Mark Vanterpool is calling for a major decentralisation of government services in the BVI, arguing that key ministries should be relocated to the sister islands to stimulate their economies and reduce what he described as Tortola-centric development. […]

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Premier defends Long Look...
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended plans for a proposed senior facility in Long Look following...
June 3, 2026 at 6:05 AM
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Naysayers! Rymer rejects ...
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has dismissed suggestions that the Virgin Islands government...
June 2, 2026 at 8:02 AM
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Gov’t might make duty con...
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has indicated that his government may consider making some of its recently...
June 2, 2026 at 6:31 AM

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Next Director of Trade needs to be a Virgin Islander

Honestly Speaking radio show host Claude Skelton Cline has argued that more qualified Virgin Islanders should be placed in top public sector positions, saying the next Director of Trade should be a local professional. Speaking on...
June 2, 2026 at 6:07 AM
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Gov’t programme graduates 26 entrepreneurs

Twenty-six entrepreneurs and business owners have graduated from the government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, with Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith urging participants to continue learning and embrace...
June 2, 2026 at 6:02 AM
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Tourism summit to unite regional and global leaders

The Virgin Islands will bring together regional and international tourism leaders next week as the territory hosts a two-day summit that looks to shape the future direction of its tourism industry. The Virgin Islands Tourism Summit...
June 2, 2026 at 6:00 AM

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Questions raised over mystery surveillance cameras in Tortola

Residents are continuing to speculate about several mobile surveillance camera units recently placed in different areas on Tortola. The units — which appear to include advanced CCTV and facial recognition-style technology — have...
June 1, 2026 at 7:17 AM
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Premier defends Smith, upholds trashing of Trade Commission

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has defended the government’s decision to scale back the powers of the proposed Trade Commission, a decision proposed by Junior Trade Minister Lorna Smith and staunchly criticised by the opposition. Speaking...
June 1, 2026 at 7:11 AM
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Premier: UK ‘not interested’ in Free Association arrangement with BVI

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has said the United Kingdom has indicated it is not interested in entering into a free association arrangement with the Virgin Islands, leaving independence as the primary option should the territory seek...
June 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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Ferry terminal delays a big setback for gov’t — Rymer

Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has acknowledged that delays to the long-awaited redevelopment of the West End Ferry Terminal are a major setback for the government, as officials redesign the project after construction...
June 1, 2026 at 6:35 AM
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Smith says compliance driving BVI financial services growth

Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith has said strong compliance, innovation and investment in people will be critical to the continued growth of the Virgin Islands’ financial services industry as the territory seeks...
June 1, 2026 at 6:31 AM
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COMMENTARY: Are you what you eat?

By Dr. Craig Stoutt, Contributor Think about the last time that you fully felt energized and at peace. For many of us, that comes from a good, wholesome meal. Yet, many Virgin Islanders wake up every day unsure of where their next...
May 30, 2026 at 7:35 AM

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COMMENTARY: The Tribal factor in Virgin Islands Politics

By Dickson Igwe, Contributor This investigative writer wannabe adopts the culture of the criminal investigator in deciding what political group is likely to win the Virgin Islands General Election in a number of months. As stated...
May 30, 2026 at 7:30 AM
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Former TCI Premier sentenced after corruption conviction

Former Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Premier Michael Misick has been sentenced following his conviction on corruption charges, bringing one of the Caribbean’s longest-running political corruption cases closer to a conclusion. Misick...
May 29, 2026 at 6:54 PM
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Worker shortage, not bias, driving expat hires

Despite persistent public complaints that businesses are overlooking Virgin Islanders in favour of imported labour, businessman and political leader Mark Vanterpool has argued that the bigger issue is a shortage of locals willing to...
May 29, 2026 at 6:35 AM

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Police officer suspended over firearm-related domestic probe

A police officer has been interdicted from duty following a firearm-related domestic incident that is now under investigation by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). The RVIPF announced on Thursday that it was investigating...
May 29, 2026 at 6:24 AM
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Former airports boss clears the air on BVIAA departure

Former BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) Managing Director Kurt Menal has sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding his departure from the statutory body, stating that he resigned and provided the required notice before leaving. Menal...
May 29, 2026 at 6:20 AM
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Premier commends Penn, takes aim at Turnbull

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley recently praised Opposition Leader Marlon Penn for what he described as a “reasonable” approach to scrutinising the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, while sharply criticising Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull,...
May 29, 2026 at 6:18 AM

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Fraser rejects claims that HOA members seeking more power

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has rejected suggestions that members of the House of Assembly (HOA) are seeking to increase their own power through the ongoing constitutional review process, arguing instead that the proposed changes...
May 29, 2026 at 6:15 AM
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Businesses must pay debts to qualify for small business grants

Small businesses hoping to tap into the Virgin Islands government’s small business grant programme will generally need to have their financial affairs in order — but officials say struggling businesses with approved payment plans...
May 28, 2026 at 6:35 AM
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We don’t want it! Gov’t criticised over Long Look social complex

Local businesswoman Amberly Crabbe has criticised plans for a transitional facility and social complex in Long Look, arguing that the project could further stigmatise a community she said has faced negative perceptions for years. The...
May 28, 2026 at 6:25 AM

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Statutory board members have too much pay and power

Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has blasted what he described as the growing power and pay of statutory board members in the BVI, arguing that some appointees have lost sight of their true role and are behaving as though they run...
May 28, 2026 at 6:22 AM
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Government moves ahead with airport extension tender

Despite reported pushback from the United Kingdom government over the proposed expansion of the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport and repeated expressions of frustration from Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley over project delays,...
May 28, 2026 at 6:15 AM
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Premier describes Cabinet arrangement in BVI as ‘abnormal’

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has described the current governance arrangement in the Virgin Islands as “abnormal”, arguing that the territory should have greater constitutional authority as negotiations begin with the United Kingdom...
May 28, 2026 at 6:05 AM