Local News
Advisory Committee Initiates Minimum Wage Review
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade has taken a significant step towards addressing the economic challenges faced by the people of the Virgin Islands by announcing the formation of an ad hoc Advisory Committee tasked with reviewing the minimum wage.
The last adjustment to the minimum wage dates back to October 1, 2016, when it increased from $4.00 to $6.00 per hour. However, a 2022 review conducted by the Social Policy Research Institute (SPRI Global) highlighted that this rate is now inadequate, considering the current economic landscape.
Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Hon. Lorna Smith, emphasized the need for a careful and comprehensive approach to address the issue. She stated, “The Government is conscious of the many economic challenges the people of the BVI face. We must all put our shoulder to the wheel, government, employers, and employees, to ensure that individuals on low incomes do not bear a greater share of the burden than they should.”
The Advisory Committee, to be appointed in accordance with the Virgin Islands Labour Code, 2010, will consist of experts and representatives from various sectors, ensuring a diverse perspective.
The committee will have access to technical support from economists, statisticians, financial analysts, and other government officials to conduct a thorough analysis and provide informed recommendations.
Minister Smith underscored the commitment to a transparent and inclusive process, with the final report expected by the end of March 2024. The inaugural meeting of the committee is scheduled for November 21, marking the commencement of a vital initiative to address broader economic concerns in the BVI. Minister Smith concluded, “The review of the Minimum Wage is only one part of a wider assessment by the Government of how we can address the cost of living crisis across the BVI. We know our people need to be better supported, and I expect to make further announcements on this in the near future.”
The appointed committee members include Mr. Colin O’Neal, Ms. Nelda Farrington, Ms. Amberly Crabbe, Mr. Michael Thomas, Mr. Sendrick Chinnery, Mr. Laurence Wheatley, Mr. Elton Leonard, Ms. Stephanie Faulkner, Ms. Diana Wheatley, Ms. Binta Jallow, Ms. Cleopatra Besson, Mr. Sean Palmer, Ms. Lynette Harrigan, MBE, and Mr. Doug Riegels. The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable economic development in the Territory through effective labor market management, inclusive of income protection regulation.
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.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police20 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Elections 202321 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Local News21 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola