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News from the British Virgin Islands as of



BVI woman's murder conviction quashed on appeal February 14, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: A British Virgin Islands woman, Selena Varlack, who was sentenced with two men to life imprisonment for murder last year, was set free by the Court of Appeal on Tuesday. read more..

Cable & Wireless denies unfair competition claim in BVI February 7, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Cable and Wireless said the recent claims made by British Virgin Islands' sole mobile provider, CCT Global Communications, against Cable and Wireless are unsubstantiated and invalid. read more..

BVI's only wireless provider in favour of liberalisation February 2, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The only mobile provider in the British Virgin Islands, CCT Global Communications, says the company is one hundred percent in favour of the liberalisation of the telecommunications sub-sector in the BVI. read more..

UK opposition MP to visit the BVI January 31, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: United Kingdom opposition Member of Parliament, Mark Simmonds, will be visiting the British Virgin Islands from February 4-10, 2007 on a familiarisation visit. read more..

BVI cracks down on school tardiness January 26, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The main government operated Secondary School in the British Virgin Islands, the BVI High School, is to implement a new policy in February to address the issue of tardiness among students. read more..

BVI opposition gives constitution ultimatum to chief minister January 24, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Leader of the opposition, Ralph O'Neal, has given Chief Minister, Dr Orlando Smith, until the end of this month to tell the people of the British Virgin Islands what is expected from the final round of constitutional talks. read more..

BVI chief minister welcomes hospital contract signing January 24, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Orlando Smith, has welcomed this week's signing of the contract for the start of construction work for the new Peebles Hospital. read more..

BVI Chief Minister to speak at Caribbean HIV/AIDS Summit January 20, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: British Virgin Islands Chief Minister, Dr Orlando Smith, has been invited to speak at the 2007 Caribbean Regional Summit on HIV/AIDS with members of the United States House of Representatives Congressional Caribbean Caucus. read more..

BVI Chief Minister says new hospital designed to meet current and future demands January 19, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister Dr Orlando Smith has said that, in developing the new hospital plans, his Government insisted on a facility that is able to meet the British Virgin Islands' current needs and accommodate its future growth. read more..

BVI Appeal Court reserves judgment in murder case January 18, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Appeal Court now sitting in the British Virgin Islands has reserved its judgment on a ruling made by the High Court concerning three persons who were sentenced to life imprisonment for a murder committed here in 2004. read more..

Six Haitians using fraudulent documents intercepted at BVI airport January 18, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The vigilance of immigration and surveillance officers at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport in the British Virgin Islands has been credited with the recent interception of six Haitians who attempted to enter the Territory with fraudulent documents. read more..

Contract signed for BVI hospital renovation January 17, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The government of the British Virgin Islands has signed a $3.6 million contract with Road Runner Construction for renovation work to Peebles Hospital and finishing works to the hospital extension. read more..

BVI authorities apprehend US fugitive January 17, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The combined efforts of the British Virgin Islands Customs, the Immigration Department and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have resulted in the capture and apprehension of a United States citizen wanted in the US on a federal warrant. read more..

EU increases fees for 'Schengen' visas January 16, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The German Embassy in Trinidad has informed the British Virgin Islands Government that fees for a Schengen visa have increased effective January 1, 2007. The new visa fee is Euro €60, up from Euro €35. read more..

BVI mourns one of its longest-serving legislators January 16, 2007
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Orlando Smith, is joining the rest of the community in mourning the passing of Terrance B. Lettsome, one of the Territory’s longest serving legislators and its first Minister of Communications, Works and Utilities. read more..

BVI Elections Guide launched December 29, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Media group Andrews Media Corporation (AMC) has launched a free news and information online guide for the upcoming British Virgin Islands (BVI) General Elections, constitutionally due by September 2007, to help to promote the democratic process in the BVI. read more..

Caribbean Arts and Crafts Festival expands in 2007 December 21, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Caribbean Artisan Network and the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) will host the largest artisan festival of its kind in the British Virgin Islands next year. read more..

BVI bans 'immoral and degrading' show December 16, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The government in the British Virgin Islands has banned a show featuring Tony Matteron and the 'dutty wine' dancers, which was to have taken place in the BVI this weekend. read more..

BVI physicians reminded to comply with practice requirements December 14, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Physicians in the British Virgin Islands are being reminded to comply with requirements for practicing medicine and dentistry under sections 10, 11 and 18 of the Medical Act, 2000. read more..

BVI electricity company employees to get pay increase December 13, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: BVI Electricity Corporation employees will receive an increase in pay retroactive to January 1, 2006, and revised salary scales and job descriptions in January 2007. read more..

BVI introduces internet-based information system December 12, 2006
TORTOLA, BVI: The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced that it will be transitioning to a new internet-based information system featuring the electronic filing of documents. read more..

BVI hosts workshop on planning for mass fatality disasters December 9, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: A three-day workshop on "Contingency Planning for Mass Fatality Disasters in the Caribbean" concluded Friday in the British Virgin Islands, with delegates from some 21 countries in the region attending the event. read more..

BVI establishes Youth Court December 6, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Youth Court in the British Virgin Islands will begin sittings in January to hear cases involving children and young people under the age of 18 who come into conflict with the criminal justice system. read more..

New immigration cards for BVI December 6, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Immigration Department introduced new Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Cards at all ports of entry in the British Virgin Islands this week. The new cards will allow the Territory to collect more information about visitors. read more..

BVI to observe World AIDS Day December 1, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands will join the world in observing World AIDS Day on Friday. As one of the planned activities to mark the day, the Government will offer free AIDS testing and counseling to the public. read more..

BVI businesses prepare for tobacco ban December 1, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Businesses, hoteliers and restaurants in the British Virgin Islands have six months to prepare for the ban on the use, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products in public places. read more..

BVI adds 32 new names to immigration stop-list November 30, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Executive Council in the British Virgin Islands has approved the addition of 32 new names to the Immigration Stop List, a decision which prohibits such persons from re-entering the Territory. read more..

US passport requirement discussed by OECS caucus November 30, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The United States passport issue was among the items of particular interest at Wednesday’s Special Caucus of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority in Antigua. read more..

Increased surveillance in the BVI yields several arrests November 29, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Acting Chief Immigration Officer in the British Virgin Islands, Malvern Brathwaite, says increased surveillance operations in recent weeks have screened over 250 people and yielded several arrests. read more..

BVI hotel named as one of five best in Caribbean November 28, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers Poll has named the British Virgin Islands' Sugar Mill Hotel as one of the five best in the Caribbean/Atlantic region. This is the second time the 23 room hotel has been awarded this honour. read more..

BVI Customs Dept to use automated processing system November 28, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Customs Department in the British Virgin Islands will begin using the Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS) for the first time for processing incoming passengers at the Terrence B. Lettsome International airport. read more..

BVI Acting Chief Minister congratulates USVI governor-elect November 24, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: On behalf of the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands, Acting Chief Minister Ronnie Skelton has congratulated Governor-elect of the US Virgin Islands John deJongh and running mate Gregory Francis on their recent victory at the polls. read more..

Britain's Caribbean territories students to benefit from change to UK tuition fees November 22, 2006
LONDON, England: Britain's Higher Education Minister, Bill Rammell, has announced proposals to enable students from the British Overseas Territories, including those in the Caribbean, to be treated as home students for fee purposes at institutions in the United Kingdom. read more..

OECS should play key role in preserving environment, says BVI Chief Minister November 21, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Environment Policy Committee has a key role in preserving the region’s unique environment, according to Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Orlando Smith. read more..

Public smoking ban enacted in the BVI November 17, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Legislative Council in the British Virgin Islands has passed the Tobacco Control Act banning smoking in public places in the BVI. The new Act will also regulate the promotion, distribution and use of tobacco products in the Territory. read more..

Challenges faced by regional prison systems continue to increase November 17, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith told regional prison officers attending a conference here this week that the challenges facing the prison systems today continue to increase. read more..

BVI to host regional environmental meetings November 14, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands will be hosting two Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) environmental meetings, starting Wednesday. read more..

Heads of prisons conference to be held in the BVI next week November 11, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands is preparing to host the 20th Heads of Prison Conference next week, which will bring together 40 delegates from nine countries from November 14 to 17. read more..

British Virgin Islands celebrates Tourism Month November 8, 2006
TORTOLA, BVI: As a celebration of the economy in the British Virgin Islands, the BVI Tourist Board has dedicated the entire month of November to celebrate tourism. The annual event engages locals and visitors on all islands. read more..

Murder accused appears in court in BVI November 6, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: With shackles on his feet, Everald Milton, better known as Ratti, appeared in court in the British Virgin Islands on Friday on a charge of murder. Milton is charged with the murder of Dorcas Elizabeth Rhule. read more..

Travel agent academy to be launched in the BVI October 31, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: A new Travel Agent Academy will be launched in the British Virgin Islands in January next year. The academy will allow travel agents to offer potential visitors a virtual tour of the British Virgin Islands. read more..

BVI police investigate weekend murder October 31, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Police in the British Virgin Islands are investigating a murder that occurred in the territory over the weekend. Police say they responded to a call received on Sunday at 7:45 am. read more..

BVI Spring Regatta 2007: As innovative as ever October 28, 2006
TORTOLA, BVI: The British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, presented by Nanny Cay, is known for its innovation and the 2007 event, March 26 - April 1, will be no exception. This year the Regatta wants to bring sailors into the protest room, on the judge’s side of the table. read more..

BVI announces new civil aviation regulations October 27, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Government of the British Virgin Islands, in conjunction with Air Safety Support International, has announced a new single set of civil aviation requirements for the territory. read more..

BVI starts third round of constitutional talks with Britain October 26, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Orlando Smith, is leading the BVI Constitutional Negotiating Team into the third round of negotiations with their counterparts from the United Kingdom. read more..

Cargo ship runs aground in BVI October 25, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Emergency responders have been working since Monday, October 16 at the site of a sea accident that occured in the British Virgin Islands. read more..

BVI to host media breakfast at CTO conference October 24, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: New British Virgin Islands Director of Tourism, Janis Braithwaite-Edwards, is leading a BVI delegation to the 29th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference, CTC-29, being held in The Bahamas. read more..

BVI implements second phase of Port Health Surveillance Programme October 23, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Ministry of Health and Social Development in the British Virgin Islands is implementing the second phase of a new Port Health Surveillance Programme for the Territory. read more..

BVI company launches employment websites October 23, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: British Virgin Islands-based company, Andrews Media Corporation, has announced the launch of the ‘Employer’ brand of job and career advice websites for each English-speaking Caribbean country. read more..

British and US Virgin Islands explore closer ties October 21, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Orlando Smith, discussed ways to strengthen ties between the British and United States Virgin Islands when he attended the third meeting of the Inter Virgin Islands Council (IVIC) in St Thomas this week. read more..

US corporation acquires BVI resort October 18, 2006
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, USA: US-based Victor International Corporation has announced its acquisition of Biras Creek Resort in the British Virgin Islands – one of the Caribbean’s premier resorts. Plans include an immediate renovation of all guest room suites. read more..

BVI makes waves at the Annapolis Boat Show October 18, 2006
TORTOLA, BVI: The 37th Annual Annapolis Sailboat Show in Annapolis, MD from October 5- 9 welcomed more than 27,000 boating and sailing enthusiasts, including a strong British Virgin Islands presence. read more..

BVI works toward reducing fraudulent work permits October 12, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Department of Labour in the British Virgin Islands is working towards reducing problems of duplication and other fraudulent efforts by people in the territory to have fake work permits. read more..

BVI appoints first head of newly-formed telecoms commission October 10, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Executive Council in the British Virgin Islands has appointed David Iverson to be the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly-formed Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC). read more..

International relations conference held in the BVI October 6, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Getting the most out of international relations was the title of a successful conference for senior public servants and officers of statutory bodies held in the British Virgin Islands this week. read more..

BVI Chief Minister to discuss yachting sector security October 6, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Safety and security in the yachting sector is one of the main areas of concern for Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism in the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith as he attends a meeting of OECS tourism ministers. read more..

Jamaican woman murdered in BVI October 5, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: A Jamaican woman living in the British Virgin Islands was killed Tuesday evening when she was thrown over a balcony of her apartment by two armed masked men who entered her apartment. read more..

Virgin Islands Shipping Registry launched in BVI October 4, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith says the recent launch of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is a fulfilment of the final conditions for the Territory to operate as a Category One Shipping Registry and a pledge by Government. read more..

New General Orders drafted for BVI civil service October 3, 2006
BVI, ROAD TOWN: The Department of Human Resources in the British Virgin Islands has presented a new draft General Orders to heads of department throughout the public service. read more..

Senior BVI Customs Officers graduate from Train the Trainers Workshop September 30, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Nine senior Customs Officers received internationally-recognized certificates on Thursday after successfully completing a Train the Trainers workshop organized by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board BVITB. The training comes as part of the customer service component. read more..

BVI not unique in imposing smoking ban, says Chief Minister September 30, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith says the BVI is not unique in its steps towards imposing a ban on smoking in public places in the territory. read more..

British Virgin Islands to get its own postal code September 29, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: British Virgin Islands Finance Minister Ronnie Skelton speaking in last week's sitting of the Legislative Council said that the adoption of a postal code system will lead to more efficient mail service. read more..

BVI college official speaks out against recent assault September 27, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The President of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in the British Virgin Islands Dr. Michael O’Neal has spoken out against a recent incident at the college whereby one student allegedly assaulted another. read more..

BVI appoints air crash investigator September 27, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Governor in the British Virgin Islands David Pearey has appointed Air Safety Support International (ASSI) as the Investigator in Charge to provide a report on the accident to a “Fly BVI” aircraft. read more..

Small plane crash lands in BVI September 21, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Nine Americans escaped injury when the aircraft they were travelling in crash landed at the British Virgin Islands main Terrence B Lettsome Airport Tuesday evening. read more..

Regional zoning conference to be held in BVI September 20, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The Town and Country Planning Department in the British Virgin Islands will be hosting a two-day regional conference on zoning as part of its observance of World Town Planning Day in November. read more..

BVI police investigating armed robbery September 20, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: Police in the British Virgin Islands are investigating an armed robbery that took place in the territory this week at a supermarket in capital Road Town. read more..

Firearms charges against BVI businessman adjourned September 15, 2006
ROAD TOWN, BVI: The case against prominent British Virgin Islands businessman Ashley Ritter, who is facing unlawful gun and ammunition charges has been adjourned. Ritter was arrested by police last week. read more..