The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken another step towards improving its profile of cooperation in the global landscape.

The Government of the Virgin Islands and the Government of the United States concluded its negotiations On March 6, 2014, and initialled the final text of an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) in respect of the US Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), paving the way for its imminent signing and implementation in Territory.

In discussions on the future of off-shore financial centres, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, presented his insights today at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club during a luncheon meeting hosted by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

British Virgin Islands World War 1 Veteran James Rymer’s outstanding service in World War 1 was recently celebrated at the annual Premier’s reception hosted by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.

Twenty-five students gathered at BVI House in London on December 7 for a luncheon orientation programme where they learned more on transitioning to life in the United Kingdom (UK). They also had an opportunity to meet with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE.

Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE met with key Members of Parliament at the British Virgin Islands All Party Parliamentary Group (BVI APPG) lunch in the House of Commons on Thursday December 4.

The Premier updated APPG members on the Territory’s progress in the areas of tourism, healthcare and financial services.   The APPG Members and other Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords offered insights on improving BVI-UK engagement. 

The Department of Waste Management is asking for a coordinated response from the community in maximizing the potential of the incinerator.

The incinerator which once opened to the public 24 hours a day, experienced technical issues associated with the hours of operation. The new hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. which became effective September 1, 2014.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken further steps in strengthening its international relations by signing a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the Government of South Korea.

The TIEA will enable the two tax authorities to have greater ability to exchange information for tax purposes in accordance with internationally agreed standards

Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has concluded a week of talks with the United Kingdom (UK) Government in London where he joined other Overseas Territories (OTs) Leaders at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC).

The meetings covered a wide range of topics that included economic development, financial services, security, policing, passports, health, and pensions, among other things.