Local News
Nanny Cay Launches $40 Million Expansion to Boost BVI Marine Sector
Nanny Cay has broken ground on a $30 million to $40 million marina expansion that government and industry officials say will redefine the territory’s marine infrastructure and strengthen the British Virgin Islands’ position as a major yachting center in the Caribbean.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Governor Daniel Pruce, and Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Hon. Julian Fraser joined Nanny Cay executives, marine stakeholders, and local dignitaries at the on-site groundbreaking ceremony Friday, signaling the start of the development phase.
The expansion includes the installation of a custom-built Marine Travelift — among the largest in the region — capable of hauling 60-, 70- and 80-foot catamarans. The project will add 112 new slips for large catamarans, powerboats, and mega yachts up to 165 feet, alongside expanded yard space to meet rising demand for service and berthing in the territory.
“This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving facilities for the BVI’s marine community and strengthening Nanny Cay’s position as the heart of Caribbean yachting,” said Cameron McColl, chairman of Nanny Cay.
General Manager Miles Sutherland-Pilch said the project responds to growing demand from larger vessels. “The new lift and berths will allow us to handle more vessels efficiently and safely, while continuing to deliver the high level of service our customers expect,” he said.
Premier Wheatley called the initiative “the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the story of the Virgin Islands.” He said the marina expansion represents the first of three phases in a broader redevelopment of Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, to be completed over three years. The project will create 91 jobs and introduce a marine training hub in partnership with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
“The investment reaffirms confidence in our economy, our people, and the Virgin Islands as a premier destination for tourism, maritime excellence, and sustainable growth,” Wheatley said.
Plans also include new visitor amenities such as a beach, restaurants, luxury pool, beach bar, and retail village, along with dedicated space for the Royal BVI Yacht Club’s dinghy program and new classrooms for HLSCC’s maritime training.
Nanny Cay, which hosts the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, first unveiled its expansion plans in 2024. Once completed, the project is expected to boost capacity and enhance the BVI’s competitiveness as a leading destination for the global yachting community.
Photo Credits: Alastair Abrehart/Broadsword PR, Alex Turnbull, Michael Winter Jr.
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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