Local News
BVIEC Working to Restore Power Generating Capacity in the British Virgin Islands
The Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, has assured the public that the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is actively working to restore its power generating capacity to meet the needs of the Territory. The Minister emphasized that the government and the corporation are giving top priority to addressing the technical and operational issues affecting the reliability of the electrical power supply, as well as the water supply.
Minister Rymer acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the public by the current issues, including interruptions in the water supply, and offered his apologies. He stated, “Providing reliable and dependable utilities to the Territory is paramount to everyone. We are working tirelessly to resolve the issues, but we ask the public to bear with us while we implement the necessary solutions.”
Dr. Neil Smith, the General Manager at BVIEC, provided further insight into the challenges being faced. He explained that one of the largest generators at the plant is undergoing overhaul, while another is experiencing governor issues that require specialized attention from the manufacturers. Additionally, a smaller generating set has been awaiting assembly. Compounding the situation is the fact that the power consumption in the Territory is currently at its highest levels ever.
To manage the load on the power system, the corporation, in collaboration with public partners, has taken measures to regulate power consumption. As a result, the Seven Seas desalination plant, which consumes 4 Megawatts of energy at full capacity, has been periodically taken offline. This interruption affects water production and supply to customers.
Dr. Smith acknowledged the frustration experienced by individuals due to the present situation and offered his apologies. He appealed to the public to exercise patience as the necessary work is carried out to restore the power plant to its optimal load carrying capacity. Additionally, he urged the public to conserve electricity by reducing consumption, as this would not only lower electricity bills but also alleviate the strain on the power system, ultimately reducing disruptions to the electricity and water supply.
The BVIEC remains committed to providing the best possible service to its customers and contributing to the development of the Territory’s electrical infrastructure. The corporation aims to ensure that the entire population of the British Virgin Islands has access to reliable and continuous electricity at an affordable cost.
Local News
Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.
The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.
Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.
The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.
These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.
Local News
Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1
A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions
The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business.
This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.
“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.
For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration.
Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.
“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”
The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.
The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors.
At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.
While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries.
A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”
Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated.
A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx.
“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”
The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision.
While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.
As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries.
But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen.
In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.
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