Several businesses in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are continuing to flout regulations that prohibit minimum spending requirements for credit card payments.

On January 2, Jahphixtelevision.com visited a gas station and a food establishment in Tortola, both of which were still enforcing a minimum purchase amount for credit card transactions. This comes despite a clear warning from the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) in a December 18 advisory, which stated that such practices violate merchant agreements with financial institutions.

The BVIBA highlighted that imposing minimum spending thresholds or charging additional fees for credit card payments contravenes not only local merchant contracts but also the policies of major payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

“We urge all merchants to immediately cease these practices to ensure full compliance with established regulations,” read the BVIBA’s statement issued last month.

This ongoing issue follows rising concerns over the transparency and fairness of payment systems, with both cardholders and industry stakeholders calling for more stringent enforcement of existing regulations.

Travellers from visa-exempt countries to the United Kingdom will soon need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as part of the UK government’s new border control initiative.  Starting January 8, citizens from visa-exempt nations outside Europe must obtain an ETA before visiting the UK. British and Irish citizens, as well as those traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport are exempt.

This digital system aims to streamline entry processes and enhance security.

The ETA is part of the UK’s effort to fully digitize its border and immigration system, following similar programs in Australia and the United States. By April 2, all visa-exempt European travelers will also need ETAs. Nations already requiring a visa to enter the UK will remain subject to the current visa application processes.

The ETA grants permissions similar to the UK’s Standard Visitor Visa, allowing multiple visits of up to six months over two years or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first. The authorization costs £10, and applications, available online, are typically processed within 24 hours, though applicants are advised to allow up to three business days.

You do not need an ETA if you hold a visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK, including settled or pre-settled status or the right of abode. BAdditionally, residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man do not require an ETA. Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship can prove their permission to travel using a British passport, Irish passport, or another passport with a certificate of entitlement.

Eligible non-European travelers can apply beginning November 27, while European travelers may apply starting March 5.

This move aims to bolster the UK’s border security by enabling more thorough checks on travelers before arrival. The system, linked to travelers’ passports, is designed to streamline entry processes and enhance efficiency. It mirrors the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS system, which will require similar permissions for travel to 30 European countries starting mid-next year.

All visa-exempt nationals—except British and Irish citizens—will need an ETA for tourism, short-term study, family visits, or business in the UK. Travelers from nations already requiring a visa will still need to apply for the appropriate visa for their trip’s purpose.

Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated return to the stage after his release from prison was met with global excitement, both from his loyal fans online and those attending the historic Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The Grammy-nominated artist, who spent 13 years in prison on a murder charge that was overturned in March 2024, took to the stage in front of more than 30,000 fans just after 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, with an additional 150,000 tuning in online. 

He performed a mix of classic hits and fresh material that energised the fans, who were thrilled to see the “World Boss” enjoying his historic return with support from a star-studded cast, including Popcaan, Bounty, Spice, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Gaza Indu, and American rapper Busta Rhymes.

While many celebrated his long-awaited comeback, others were left wanting more, with some missing the high-energy performance and signature vocal delivery that made him popular early in his career.

But Kartel, who is living with Graves’ disease and a heart condition, proved his popularity is still intact when thousands of viewers watching the free live stream were unable to access a steady feed due to the overwhelming online traffic.

Economically, the event proved to be a significant boon for the local community, with estimates suggesting it generated over US$10 million.

The surrounding area saw a temporary surge in employment, and local businesses benefited from an increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

Looking ahead, the Jamaican artist’s international comeback continues with a show in the British Virgin Islands on March 15 in front of an audience that is expected to include guests from neighbouring territories, such as the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten.