News
Civil servants cry for justice; No increments paid for 2015!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The cry by the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP), talk show hosts, civil society, ordinary citizens, and the media that the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) raided the Treasury to win the 2015 snap election, leaving the country broke, is being heard again.
Banks reject loan requests for Airport Project as broke NDP Gov’t struggles
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The focus and controversy over the “done deal” Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport Runway Expansion Project at Beef Island have been about who gets the contract.
From rum to work permits! NDP imposes higher taxes on residents
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- After allegedly raiding the treasury to win the 2015 general elections and, according to the Virgin Islands Party Opposition, civil society and the media, leaving the country broke, the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) is now on a tax hike strategy in order to make up for its financial mismanagement.
Postmistress General accused of making threats to employee
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Controversy is brewing in the post office surrounding Postmistress General Pascha Stoutt and an employee by the name of Jacquelyn V. Somersall who is accusing Stoutt of verbal abuse and threats of physical violence.
Broke gov’t? After a $330M Budget NDP still needs $25M credit!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government, led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, continues to deny that his administration raided the public treasury to win the 2015 general elections, leaving the country broke, more evidence has emerged to satisfy his critics.
FSC has commenced investigation on Panama Papers allegations! - Premier Smith
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith today April 8, 2016 announced that the Financial Services Commission (FSC) has commenced an investigation into the Panama Papers leak and the allegations being levelled against the Virgin Islands with regard to "dirty money" and tax evasion.
Still no Budget Address date set!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - While the Government struggles to pay its bills, some statutory Government bodies are complaining about not receiving timely Government contributions via subventions, resulting in late payments to workers, no transparency in terms of the Government’s accurate balance sheets, the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration is yet to announce a 2016 Budget Address date.
Premier Smith can't recall speaking of having $90m in bank!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Is it a case of amnesia or the side effects of elections fever that would cause Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith not to recall speaking about the sum of $90 million in the bank during the 2015 elections campaign just six months ago?
VI remains on France's Blacklist
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Financial Secretary Neil M. Smith said that France is pleased with the Virgin Islands on a technical level but work still needs to be done to get the territory off the blacklist imposed in late 2013.
Premier Smith throws FS Neil M. Smith under the bus!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The recent statement by Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith that his administration has been unable to produce audited accounts to the House of Assembly for the last three years because the former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) allegedly failed to practice proper accounting standards has been termed an indictment on the Financial Secretary Mr Neil M. Smith and former Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE by senior VIP member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1).