Local News
SIGTAS 3.0 Tax Administration System to Go Live by End of September
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has announced that the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAS 3.0) is set to go live by the end of September. Premier Wheatley made the announcement during a statement at the House of Assembly on September 7, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the tax administration system in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
The upgrade to SIGTAS 3.0 represents a major step forward for the BVI, as it introduces a state-of-the-art platform designed to enhance tax administration efficiency, effectiveness, and overall service quality for taxpayers. Premier Wheatley emphasized that the new system will also provide greater accessibility and flexibility for online payments through the Government’s e-payment gateway.
Among the key enhancements and benefits of the new system is an improved user interface and navigation, making it easier for users to perform various tasks. The integration of online services will enable clients to register, file, pay, and communicate with the Department of Inland Revenue electronically, saving time and simplifying the tax payment process.
Additionally, the new system ensures enhanced security and data protection, conforming to international standards, as well as increased automation, integration, and expanded functionality. These features allow for customization and configuration options tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the BVI tax system.
Premier Wheatley emphasized that the web-based nature of the system enables clients to access it from any device with an internet connection, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones. The improved reporting and analytics capabilities will generate more accurate and timely reports and statistics on tax performance and compliance.
Several phases of the project have already been completed, including application deployment, technical upgrade, and the delivery of e-tax services such as registration, tax filing, and payment. The final phases will involve training and support for end users, as well as the official launch and ongoing operation of the system. The Inland Revenue Department is currently in the final stages of testing financial statements, payroll, and opening balances modules, which will complete the full suite of services for modernizing the tax payment process.
SIGTAS is a widely used software solution for tax administration, utilized by over 30 countries worldwide, including the BVI. SIGTAS 3.0 is the latest version of the system, offering new features and enhancements for both tax authorities and taxpayers.
Premier Wheatley urged all relevant individuals and organizations to register, as new unique Tax Identifier Numbers (TIN) are being assigned, which are necessary for the full launch of the system. To facilitate the registration process, the Central Government has deployed a team of experts at the Inland Revenue Department to assist taxpayers. Registration requires a valid passport or driver’s license, Social Security card, and an email address. Online registration is also available at http://www.eregisterfortax.gov.vg.
The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to the overall development of the territory through sustainable transformation and the continuous improvement of the tax system.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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