Local News
Virgin Islands Passes Bills to Boost Shipping and Maritime Authority for Economic Growth
The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken significant steps to enhance the capacity of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority to compete internationally. Two important bills, namely the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act and the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act 2022, were passed in the House of Assembly on September 12. These bills aim to empower the authority to strategically respond to market trends and intensify its focus on revenue-generating activities. It is anticipated that these measures will contribute to maintaining and expanding the Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ultimately leading to real income increases for residents.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, expressed the significance of these acts, stating, “Today we propose an additional improvement to our Register and Maritime Administration by establishing the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry as the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority.” Premier Wheatley emphasized the need for the Virgin Islands to adapt and remain competitive as markets and commercial environments evolve.
The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is the authorized agency under the Merchant Shipping Act, and this amendment act will authorize the Authority to replace the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry. Additionally, the act grants the Authority the power to appoint the Director, Surveyors, and the Registrar of Ships.
Premier Wheatley highlighted that the establishment of the Authority aligns with the Government’s objectives of economic diversification and expanding the Territory’s revenue-generating capacities. The transition is expected to enhance the Territory’s company registration for the ownership and operation of shipping companies, as well as increase the overall marketability of the Virgin Islands as a maritime tourism destination.
Director of the VI Shipping Registry, Mr. John Samuel, explained that the establishment of an autonomous Board will bring the VISR in line with international standards and the Red Ensign Group of flags, which includes the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Isle of Man. This autonomous status will separate VISR from the Central Government administration, providing several advantages such as effective financial management, enhanced responsiveness, improved administrative functions, and fewer bureaucratic constraints for commercial transactions.
To further solidify its position as an effective and modern service provider, government officials are set to attend the Monaco Yacht Show this weekend. This prestigious broker event will offer the VI Shipping and Maritime Authority an opportunity to showcase its capabilities.
The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to effective revenue management and economic diversification through the implementation of robust economic policies and decision-making processes.
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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