The Virgin Islands has retained its strong investment-grade credit ratings from Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS), with the regional agency reaffirming the Territory’s high level of creditworthiness and maintaining a stable outlook amid ongoing economic and governance reforms.In its latest assessment, CariCRIS reaffirmed the Virgin Islands’ issuer credit ratings of CariAA- for both foreign and local currency obligations, placing the Territory among the stronge...

On 28 May, 2026, Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, congratulated 26 entrepreneurs and business owners who successfully completed the Entrepreneurial Education Programme, a training initiative hosted by the Department of Trade in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) - designed to strengthen business planning, marketing, financial management and operational skills.Delivering the Feat...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has advanced its efforts to strengthen protections for victims and survivors of domestic violence through a second stakeholder consultation focused on reviewing and modernising the Domestic Violence Act, 2011.The consultation, facilitated by Ministerial Special Adviser on Gender Affairs, Ms. Patricia Hackett, brought together representatives from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty's Prison, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the Department of...

The Premier bit the bullet.  He ordered his Airports Minister to place a request for proposals to add just shy of 800 feet to the west of the existing runway.  It allows our visitors added safety in take-off but does not, in that form, address the landing threshold.We know that the extension would be more effective at the eastern end but we appear to still be tied up addressing questions based on the business case.  (And we have been directed to cease all activities, otherwise, including environ...

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Former Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Michael Misick has been sentenced to an effective prison term of four years and 26 days following his conviction in one of the Caribbean’s most significant corruption prosecutions.Justice Rajendra Narine handed down the sentence on Friday in the Supreme Court after Misick was found guilty earlier this year on three counts of bribery linked to government land and tourism development deals during his time in offic...

Only one term would now be needed to cash in on ‘Greedy Bill’ benefits.

ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Caribbean banking landscape is poised for a significant transformation following reports that Butterfield Bank has finalized a deal to acquire the regional operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank in several territories, including the Virgin Islands.The acquisition marks one of the most consequential banking developments in the region in recent years and is expected to reshape competition, customer services, and financial operations across multiple Caribbean...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Premier Natalio Wheatley is facing growing public scrutiny over government’s planned Transitional Facility and Social Complex in Long Look, as debate continues over the location, purpose and long-term impact of the controversial project.The proposed facility, which is expected to provide temporary housing and social support services for vulnerable residents, has sparked mixed reactions among members of the Long Look and East End communities. While government officials ...