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Shape the Future of the Virgin Islands: Participate in the Population and Housing Census 2023 Today
The British Virgin Islands Population and Housing Census is currently underway and all residents are encouraged to take part in the survey to contribute to the development of effective programmes and policies that will serve the people of the territory.
The census, which commenced on June 15, is scheduled to run from June to December 2023.
It aims to gather comprehensive data on the population and housing situation across the islands, providing valuable insights for planning and decision-making processes.
One significant finding from the previous census in 2010 was the diversity of the population in terms of origin. The data revealed that 61% of the population was born outside of the British Virgin Islands. Among this subgroup, the majority of expatriates originated from Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica.
The current census seeks to build upon this knowledge and provide an updated and accurate snapshot of the population composition. By understanding the demographics and needs of residents, the authorities can formulate targeted programs and policies that address specific challenges and improve the overall well-being of the community.
The information collected during the census will cover various aspects, including population size, age distribution, education levels, employment status, housing conditions, and more. It will be treated with utmost confidentiality and used solely for statistical purposes, ensuring the privacy and anonymity of all participants.
Residents are strongly urged to cooperate and provide accurate information during the census enumeration process. This will help ensure that the data collected is reliable and representative of the entire population, enabling the authorities to make informed decisions that positively impact the lives of all residents.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
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