Local News
Cabinet Approves Zero Customs Duty on Renewable Energy Products
The Virgin Islands Cabinet has approved a zero customs duty on renewable energy and energy-efficient products, Minister for Communication and Works Kye M. Rymer announced Monday. The measure will take effect Sept. 1, 2025, and remain in place through Aug. 31, 2030.
The initiative, Rymer said, is part of the government’s goal to generate 60 percent of the Territory’s energy from renewable sources. “You may recall the duty-free concession on renewable energy items introduced in 2021 and the strong public interest it generated,” Rymer said. “Building on that success, Cabinet has approved an expanded concession.”
Products covered under the measure include solar panels, solar water heaters, solar lighting, solar air conditioners, solar appliances, wind power technologies, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and LED light fixtures and bulbs.
Rymer noted that the concession builds on the Solar Technology Energy Programme (STEP), which was launched to encourage greater use of renewable sources. “The sun blesses us freely every day — an abundant gift of energy waiting to be harnessed,” Rymer said. “Together, let us transform this free, endless resource into the power that drives our homes, our businesses, and our future.”
The full statement is available on the government’s website at www.bvi.gov.vg and its official Facebook page at BVIGovernment.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
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.
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.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
