Local News
Virgin Islands Passes Bills to Boost Shipping and Maritime Authority for Economic Growth
The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken significant steps to enhance the capacity of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority to compete internationally. Two important bills, namely the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act and the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act 2022, were passed in the House of Assembly on September 12. These bills aim to empower the authority to strategically respond to market trends and intensify its focus on revenue-generating activities. It is anticipated that these measures will contribute to maintaining and expanding the Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ultimately leading to real income increases for residents.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, expressed the significance of these acts, stating, “Today we propose an additional improvement to our Register and Maritime Administration by establishing the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry as the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority.” Premier Wheatley emphasized the need for the Virgin Islands to adapt and remain competitive as markets and commercial environments evolve.
The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is the authorized agency under the Merchant Shipping Act, and this amendment act will authorize the Authority to replace the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry. Additionally, the act grants the Authority the power to appoint the Director, Surveyors, and the Registrar of Ships.
Premier Wheatley highlighted that the establishment of the Authority aligns with the Government’s objectives of economic diversification and expanding the Territory’s revenue-generating capacities. The transition is expected to enhance the Territory’s company registration for the ownership and operation of shipping companies, as well as increase the overall marketability of the Virgin Islands as a maritime tourism destination.
Director of the VI Shipping Registry, Mr. John Samuel, explained that the establishment of an autonomous Board will bring the VISR in line with international standards and the Red Ensign Group of flags, which includes the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Isle of Man. This autonomous status will separate VISR from the Central Government administration, providing several advantages such as effective financial management, enhanced responsiveness, improved administrative functions, and fewer bureaucratic constraints for commercial transactions.
To further solidify its position as an effective and modern service provider, government officials are set to attend the Monaco Yacht Show this weekend. This prestigious broker event will offer the VI Shipping and Maritime Authority an opportunity to showcase its capabilities.
The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to effective revenue management and economic diversification through the implementation of robust economic policies and decision-making processes.
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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