Local News
Government Commits $3 Million to Offset Rising Electricity Costs Amid Global Fuel Volatility
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands will spend $3 million over three months to subsidize electricity costs, as rising global fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions continue to drive up living expenses across the Territory.
The subsidy, which provides $1 million per month beginning immediately, is intended to shield households and businesses from sharp increases in electricity bills. Officials said that without intervention, electricity costs could have risen by as much as 50 percent on average.
The announcement comes as global energy markets face continued volatility driven by conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to key oil transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
“The General Manager informed me that without government intervention, customers would see increases on their electricity bills as high as fifty percent on average,” Premier Wheatley said.
The BVI Electricity Corporation said the subsidy will provide immediate relief to customers across the Territory, where electricity generation remains heavily dependent on imported fuel.
Chairman of the BVIEC Board Sheldon Scatliffe said the initiative reflects a coordinated effort to support residents and businesses during a period of rising costs.
“We are glad to be a partner with the Government of the Virgin Islands on this important initiative, which will bring meaningful relief to families and businesses at a time when it is needed most,” Scatliffe said.
General Manager Dr. Neil Smith said energy markets remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments and warned that fluctuations in fuel prices could continue.
“The Government’s subsidy provides meaningful and immediate relief for our customers,” Smith said, adding that the corporation continues to absorb a portion of fuel costs to limit the impact on consumers.
Officials said the subsidy forms part of a broader response to rising living costs, with small island economies such as the Virgin Islands particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on imported fuel and goods.
The government is also encouraging residents to conserve energy and participate in the Solar Technology Energy Programme (STEP), which allows customers to reduce long-term electricity costs by integrating solar energy into the national grid.
“Renewable energy remains the most reliable way to navigate the volatility of global fuel markets,” Smith said.
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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