Local News
Premier Urges Public Engagement with Virgin Islands Crown Land Policy
Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, is calling on residents to actively participate in the ongoing public discussion surrounding the Virgin Islands Crown Land Policy.
Highlighting the importance of preserving land for public interest and ensuring accessibility to young individuals and families, Honourable Wheatley emphasized the significance of owning a part of their Virgin Islands legacy and creating generational wealth. He urged everyone to familiarize themselves with the policy and submit their ideas and concerns.
The policy encompasses various aspects, including the history of Crown Lands, the first-time homeownership program, commercial and agricultural land leases, and Crown Land application criteria.
Premier Wheatley emphasized the crucial role of Virgin Islanders in shaping the final framework for managing Crown lands, encouraging them to provide feedback and make their opinions heard.
The policy aims to protect the natural environment for present and future generations while conserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, particularly in regards to developments such as reclamations, docks, jetties, barge ramps, and seabed development.
Public consultations have already taken place in Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, West End, Tortola, and Road Town. Further meetings with residents of the East End/Long Look Community are planned for a later date.
The Virgin Islands Crown Land Policy can be accessed on the Government of the Virgin Islands portal at bvi.gov.vg. Residents are encouraged to provide their feedback via email to nrl@gov.vg.
Local News
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Entertainment
Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024
Local News
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Search Underway After Vessel Capsizes Off Jost Van Dyke, One Dead, One Missing
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Oil Spill Forces Temporary Road Closure in Fish Bay
-
Local News1 week ago
Thirty-Six Naturalized as British Citizens in Ceremony at Government House
-
Education2 weeks ago
Eighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
-
Elections 20232 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
-
Local News2 weeks ago
British Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
-
Local News1 week ago
Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
-
Education3 days ago
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma