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Turnbull Blasts Government Over Seniors’ Healthcare Costs

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Hon. Melvin M. Turnbull, Second District Representative, strongly criticised the government’s neglect of seniors and the growing problem of crime during the Opposition’s press conference on January 17. He called for immediate solutions to protect the territory’s most vulnerable populations and address escalating social challenges.

“Our seniors have toiled for decades to build this territory,” Turnbull stated. “It is unacceptable that the National Health Insurance and the BVI Health Services Authority have not ensured that exempt individuals, including our seniors, are truly free from the cost of accessing health care at our facilities.”

Turnbull highlighted the challenges faced by elderly citizens who struggle to afford medical care despite policies intended to exempt them from such costs. He stressed the need for immediate action to alleviate these burdens.

“This territory owes its progress to the sacrifices of our seniors,” he continued. “It is our moral obligation to ensure they receive the support they need without additional burdens on their already stretched finances.”

Turnbull also criticised the inadequacy of current retirement benefits, pointing out the rising cost of living and the impact on seniors’ quality of life. He urged the government to take responsibility for addressing this issue.

“Our seniors deserve better. They should not have to choose between basic necessities and living with dignity,” Turnbull said. “I urge the ministry responsible to prioritise this and make the necessary changes without delay.”

Shifting focus to crime, Turnbull described it as an alarming issue affecting the entire Virgin Islands. He emphasised that crime is not confined to a single district but is a challenge that requires a united response.

“Crime continues to be a growing concern, and it does not just affect one district—it affects the entire territory,” Turnbull said. “These social ills are deeply rooted, and we must address the underlying causes if we are to make meaningful progress.”

Turnbull called on the government to stop delaying action and take immediate steps to resolve these pressing issues. He stressed that the wellbeing of seniors and the safety of all residents should be top priorities.

“The time for excuses is over,” he said. “We need real action to ensure our seniors can live with dignity and to restore safety and stability to our communities.”

Turnbull’s remarks reinforced the Opposition’s stance that the government is failing to meet its obligations, leaving critical issues unresolved and the territory’s most vulnerable citizens unsupported.

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BVI Shuts Down Liquor Sales for Good Friday — Violators Face Fines, Police Warn

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the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has ordered the complete shutdown of liquor-selling establishments across the territory for Good Friday, warning that violators will face immediate penalties. The directive, backed by the Liquor Licence Act of 1964, comes with fines for both business owners and patrons found in breach of the law.

The order, issued under CAP 42 (1) of the Liquor Licence Act, 1964, requires that all premises licensed to sell intoxicating liquor — excluding clubs and hotels — remain closed for the entire day on Friday, April 18, 2025. This regulation is in line with legal provisions that mandate business closures on specific public holidays.

Further restrictions prohibit the reopening of these establishments before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Authorities stated that any early operation would be deemed a violation subject to enforcement.

Penalties for non-compliance include fines ranging from $150 to $200 for business operators. In addition, individuals found on the premises of establishments operating in violation of the law may be fined $25.

The RVIPF emphasised that these measures are intended to ensure orderly observance of the holiday and adherence to existing legislation. The public notice concluded with thanks to residents for their cooperation and extended wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday period.

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Virgin Islands Publishes National Risk Assessment on Financial Crime Risks

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The Government of the Virgin Islands has released its first National Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment of Legal Persons and Legal Arrangements, as required under the revised Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations 24 and 25.

The report provides an evaluation of the potential misuse of Virgin Islands legal entities—such as BVI Business Companies (BVIBCs), trusts, and limited partnerships—for money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF), and proliferation financing (PF). It outlines existing threats and vulnerabilities and identifies measures aimed at reducing exposure to financial crime.

The assessment found that while legal persons in the Territory are generally subject to regulatory oversight, the global nature of financial services and the complexity of cross-border structures present inherent risks. The residual risk of misuse for money laundering was assessed as “Medium High” across most categories of legal persons and arrangements.

Premier of the Virgin Islands and Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Council (NAMLCC), Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, issued a statement on the report’s release:

“This risk assessment marks a significant milestone in the Virgin Islands’ journey to strengthen our anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regime. It reflects our resolve to understand our exposure to financial crime and act decisively to mitigate it. As a premier international financial centre, we are responsible for leading with integrity, upholding global standards, and ensuring that the Virgin Islands is not a haven for criminal abuse of corporate structures.”

The assessment was led by NAMLCC and developed with input from several government agencies, including the Financial Investigation Agency, Financial Services Commission, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation. Industry representatives—including trust and corporate service providers, legal professionals, and accountants—also contributed through consultation.

The findings are expected to inform upcoming legislative reforms, compliance measures, and cross-border cooperation initiatives. The full report is available through the Government of the Virgin Islands.

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New Licensing Structure for Charter Vessels Moves Forward After BVI-USVI Meeting

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The governments of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have strengthened their commitment to regional maritime cooperation following a diplomatic meeting held on April 15 in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The talks focused on refining the charter vessel fee structure and aligning operational frameworks to support growth in the maritime tourism sector.

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Governor of the USVI, Albert Bryan Jr., reaffirmed a shared vision of economic partnership and regional integration. The discussions followed initial dialogue held on March 7 in Tortola and reflect ongoing efforts to harmonize maritime policy and licensing structures between the two neighboring jurisdictions.

A key focus of the meeting was the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act of 1992, which the Government of the Virgin Islands has moved to amend. The proposed amendment bill received its first reading in the House of Assembly on January 7, 2025, and is currently listed for second reading in the present session. If passed, the changes are expected to take effect by June 1, 2025.

Under the proposed revised fee structure, term charters originating outside of the BVI would be required to pay $7,500 annually for up to seven entries, with an additional $2,100 for each extra entry. A flat rate of $24,000 would apply to vessels seeking unlimited entries. The annual licensing fee for day-trip vessels has been revised to $8,500, while the water taxi license fee remains at $2,500 per year.

The amendments are designed to modernize the BVI’s maritime regulatory system and bring it in line with regional expectations. In addition to fee revisions, the proposed changes include moving from a fixed expiration date system to one based on the anniversary of license issuance, a shift intended to reduce administrative burdens on vessel operators.

Both governments also agreed to the formation of a joint marine task force, which will focus on coordinating regional maritime policy, streamlining regulatory requirements, implementing technology to improve port operations, and enhancing coastal protection efforts.

Premier Wheatley noted that approximately 95 percent of the terms have already been agreed upon between the parties. He confirmed that the BVI government remains open to further collaboration and adjustments in the spirit of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with the USVI.

This latest round of talks underscores the governments’ continued efforts to create a stable and mutually beneficial regulatory environment for the maritime tourism industry. The initiative is expected to support charter operators and promote long-term economic growth across the Virgin Islands.

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