News
Dr the Hon Karl Dawson no longer a Jr Minister; To be Deputy Speaker
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While announcing the return of former Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) to his government today, March 11, 2025, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) also announced that Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) has been relieved of his Junior Minister portfolio.
VI can now use seized illicit assets to 'uplift society in various ways'- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—Legislators in the House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands (VI) have unanimously approved the Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Amendment Bill 2025, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the territory's financial crime framework, and to use the proceeds of illicit gains to go towards the general development of the Territory.
Hon Walwyn slams Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Amendment) Bill 2025
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— In a scathing critique of proposed amendments to the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act during his contribution to the House of Assembly (HoA) debate on February 27, 2025, Opposition Member Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) argued that the proposed legislation not only infringes on privacy rights but includes excessive state overreach by law enforcement and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) through the broad and ambiguous scope of certain legislative provisions.
Increased public assistance grants tied to cost of living challenges- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The Government of the Virgin Islands has increased Public Assistance Grants to vulnerable residents, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), announced during a statement to the House of Assembly (HoA) on February 25, 2025.
Hon Fraser met Silicon Valley investors during CARICOM summit in Barbados
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – There is immense potential—tangible and otherwise—for the Virgin Islands to benefit from, including major international investment, according to Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), following his participation in the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM that took place in Barbados from February 19-21, 2025.
Hon Marlon A. Penn debunks reports he is making a political shift
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Eighth District Representative and Opposition Member Honourable Marlon A. Penn has made it clear his recent trip to the Asia-Pacific Region with a delegation led by Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was not an indication he is ready to cross the floor, reaffirming that his commitment remains with the people of the Virgin Islands rather than any particular party.
Hon Turnbull apologises for ‘sit down & shut up’ remark to Hon de Castro
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— In a bid to bring closure to a recent controversy, Opposition Member Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) issued a formal and public apology to Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) for remarks made during a heated exchange in the House of Assembly (HoA), saying his remarks—though derogatory—were made in jest.
Safeguards against harassment needed in Customs Management Bill- Hon Skelton
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Giving his contributions to the Customs Management Duties Amendment Number 2 Act of 2025, on Monday, February 24, 2025, during the Third Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA), Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) opined that safeguards need to be put in place to prevent abuse of power.
Gov't advances pension reform as current method 'unsustainable'
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Government of the Virgin Islands is taking decisive steps to transition from the current non-contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan to a Contributory Pension Scheme, given the unsustainability of the present system, and the escalating financial burden on the state.
Premier shares Opposition’s concern about snr public servants stuck in acting positions
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The power to confirm high-ranking public service appointments does not rest with the government of the Virgin Islands but rather with the Governor’s Office and the Public Service Commission, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7) had to remind the Opposition Members of the House of Assembly (HoA) recently.
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