Local News
BVIEC’s STEP Initiative Set to Slash Electricity Bills by 50%
Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, announced the launch of the Solar Technology Energy Program (STEP) at a press conference today, April 18, highlighting its potential to slash electricity costs for residential customers by up to 50%.
The STEP initiative, spearheaded by the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), aims to alleviate the burden of high electricity bills while advancing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
“Under the STEP initiative, BVIEC will cover the upfront costs of equipment and installation, marking a significant departure from traditional models,” Minister Rymer explained. “Participants will benefit from grid tie systems, harnessing solar energy to offset reliance on imported fuel and reduce overall electricity expenses.”
Minister Rymer emphasised the critical importance of sustainable energy adoption, particularly in the face of global challenges and the imperative to combat climate change.
“National outcome number nine of the National Sustainable Development Plan speaks to the adoption of sustainable energy, which would lower our reliance on imported fuel and introduce more renewable types of energy,” stated Minister Rymer, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for the territory.
The initiative, Minister Rymer emphasized, is designed to empower residents and enhance the territory’s resilience against external economic shocks. By leveraging duty-free import status and strategic procurement practices, BVIEC aims to procure components at the lowest possible cost, ensuring maximum savings for participants.
“To facilitate widespread adoption, BVIEC will engage certified installers, providing them with invaluable experience in solar technology installation,” Minister Rymer noted. “This not only supports the STEP program but also fosters new business ventures aligned with the territory’s climate change agenda.”
Minister Rymer urged residents to register their interest in the STEP program, emphasising its role in driving economic growth and improving quality of life in the Virgin Islands. With projected payback periods as short as under two years, the initiative promises tangible benefits for both participants and the broader community.
In a tangible example provided by Minister Rymer, a customer with an annual usage of 15,624 kilowatts could expect savings of over $2,700 per year with the implementation of a grid tie system, demonstrating the transformative potential of solar technology in reducing electricity costs.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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