Local News
British Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley of the British Virgin Islands will lead a delegation to London next week for high-level meetings with the newly appointed Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, MP, and other members of the UK Parliament. The visit, from September 9th to 13th, aims to foster a modern partnership between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United Kingdom, rooted in mutual trust, respect, and cultural understanding.
Accompanying the Premier will be Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Lorna Smith, OBE; Ayana Glasgow, Executive Director of International Business Regulations; Kedrick Malone, Governance Reform Delivery Manager; and Kenneth Baker, Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission. His Excellency Daniel Pruce will also attend the meeting with the Overseas Territories Minister.
The delegation’s agenda includes discussions with political leaders, media, and private sector representatives from the financial and professional services industries. Premier Wheatley plans to highlight the substantial progress the BVI has made in implementing governance reforms since the Commission of Inquiry’s unprecedented review of the territory’s governance. To date, 45 of the 48 recommendations have been completed, with legislation for the remaining items moving toward final approval in the House of Assembly.
The meetings will also cover efforts to meet the recommendations of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s Mutual Evaluation Report. These efforts include establishing a Sanctions Unit, revising the national anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing strategy, and forming working groups to address risks associated with financial activities.
Climate change is also on the agenda, with meetings scheduled with private sector climate finance experts to address its impact on the Virgin Islands.
Premier Wheatley emphasized the importance of engaging directly with UK officials and stakeholders, stating: “Engaging face-to-face with parliamentarians, officials, regulators, and the private sector is critical to building stronger ties and establishing the modern partnership we seek with the United Kingdom.” A reception hosted by Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, will provide an opportunity to strengthen these ties and promote an understanding of the BVI to a broader audience.
The visit is seen as a critical step in continuing to build a stronger relationship with the United Kingdom, focusing on governance, financial regulation, and climate resilience.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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