Local News
BVI Delegation Meets Norwegian Cruise Line to Strengthen Key Partnership
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer and a British Virgin Islands delegation are meeting with Norwegian Cruise Line, the territory’s largest berthing partner, on Tuesday, April 14, as part of efforts to strengthen cruise tourism partnerships during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami, Florida.
The engagement comes as the Virgin Islands advances a broader strategy to expand its cruise sector while placing greater emphasis on long-term value and sustainability amid increasing visitor arrivals.
The conference, which runs from April 13 to 16, has provided an opportunity for the delegation to engage in discussions with key industry stakeholders, strengthen existing relationships and explore new collaborations aligned with the theme, “Beyond the Horizon: Leveraging Cruising’s Strength and Scale to Drive Innovation.”
“A key focus of the Territory’s strategy is the expansion of relationships with smaller, luxury cruise lines,” Honourable Rymer said. “These vessels … offer opportunities for more immersive visitor experiences and stronger potential to convert cruise passengers into overnight guests.”
He said the approach builds on recent developments, including partnerships with brands such as the Orient Express Yacht, which has expanded the territory’s cruise portfolio.
Officials said the delegation is also highlighting sustainability efforts and other strategic priorities aimed at positioning the Virgin Islands for continued growth within the global cruise industry.
The delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Works, the BVI Ports Authority, the BVI Tourist Board, Tortola Pier Park and private sector stakeholders.
Seatrade Cruise Global is one of the cruise industry’s largest events, attracting more than 11,000 professionals from over 120 countries and serving as a platform for destinations to strengthen partnerships and secure future cruise business.
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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