Local News

Virgin Islands Commits to Financial Integrity Standards in response to CFATF Report

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

Editor

The government of the Virgin Islands has taken a decisive step forward in its commitment to upholding financial integrity standards, responding to the publication of the Mutual Evaluation Report by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) with resolute determination.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley emphasised the paramount importance of maintaining high standards of financial integrity and transparency, stating, “We know high standards of financial integrity and transparency that meet global standards are essential.” This commitment was further underscored by the government’s pledge to diligently implement recommendations outlined in the accompanying National Action Plan, unveiled in tandem with the report.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, outlined a comprehensive array of proactive measures already underway. These initiatives span from the revision of the National Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Policy to the establishment of a regulatory framework for virtual assets service providers (VASP).

Attorney General, Honourable Dawn J. Smith, shed light on the jurisdiction’s robust legislative framework and emphasised the imperative of fostering a cohesive partnership between the public and private sectors. “We have a strong legislative framework in place,” noted Minister Smith, stressing the collective responsibility shared by all stakeholders in combating financial malpractice.

The government’s proactive response to the CFATF report underscores its unwavering commitment to not only meet but exceed expectations in safeguarding the financial sector against illicit activities.

The CFATF Plenary, held in Aruba from November 26th to December 1st, 2023, adopted the Mutual Evaluation Report of the Virgin Islands (British). This evaluation provides a comprehensive analysis of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) measures in place in the Virgin Islands (British) as of the on-site visit conducted between March 13th and April 3rd, 2023. The report assesses the jurisdiction’s compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations and evaluates the effectiveness of its AML/CFT system, offering recommendations to strengthen the system further.

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Local News

Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.

According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.

“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.

Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.

Entertainment

Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.

Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.

Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.

Entertainment

Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut

Published

2 weeks ago

February 20, 2026

Editor

Caribbean designer Andrea Wilson has thanked her supporters after showing her first New York Fashion Week showcase on February 14 in Manhattan — a milestone that also celebrated ten years of her swim and resort wear label, The Islander.

Her showcase, I’Landed in the Big Apple, was both anniversary and arrival in one of fashion’s global capitals. More than 20 new designs from her latest collection, Ocean Odyssey, swept down the runway in saturated colour and fluid silhouettes alongside a retrospective capsule from her earlier Wave Collection.

Collectively, the pieces traced a decade of design shaped by Caribbean light, landscape and movement.

“It was an experience,” Andrea said afterwards. “There were hiccups — a venue change, flight delays — but I am simply grateful. This would not have been possible without my family, my friends, the models and my extraordinary team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

She offered particular thanks to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who attended and walked the runway in support of Caribbean fashion.

He wore designs by Andrea and fellow British Virgin Islands creative Germain Smith, whose label Kym’Asia is known for its fluid, gender-expansive approach to couture. Emerging designer Morgan Creque, founder of Trippy Tortuga, also presented work during the evening.

Jewellery for the showcase was created by Ammique Mills of Artistry, whose striking pieces are crafted from sea-worn fabrics and natural elements, complementing the island-inspired collections.

Approximately 30 models — representing the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis,

the United Kingdom and the United States — took part in the show. The models also competed in the Anastacia Magazine Model Competition, where Keedencia Harris of St Kitts and Nevis won the top model prize, with her fellow islanders taking second and third places,

showing the depth of emerging Caribbean talent.

Former Miss British Virgin Islands Universe World Ayana Phillips, also known as DJ Lady Mix, curated the soundtrack, infusing the space with Caribbean rhythm and energy.For Andrea, a 2016 Branson Centre Entrepreneur, the New York debut signals wider ambitions.

“Next year we will elevate the experience even further in New York City,” she said. “By year’s end, we are setting our sights on Africa. I am thankful beyond words to everyone who has supported this journey.”

The showcase was filmed as part of a reality series in development documenting Wilson’s path to New York Fashion Week, with plans for international broadcast and festival screenings across the United States and Europe.

Photography was led by New York-based Cheryl Gorski and British Virgin Islands photographer

Kelvin Titley, supported by videographers Camroy Peters and Jordan Lewis.