In the last quarter of 2013, I informed you of the launch of a public consultation on beneficial ownership of companies registered here in the British Virgin Islands. I am pleased to report that this consultation is complete. This consultation was in response to a policy proposed by the Government of the United Kingdom to maintain a central registry in which information on the ultimate beneficial ownership of companies would be held. The UK Government’s desire is to see this policy adopted in the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom. 

Following a number of inaccurate reports in the online and broadcast media, His Excellency the Governor John S. Duncan, OBE would like to remind members of the press that he made a statement in December 2014 to BVI Platinum. In that statement, he reiterated his commitment to making an informed decision on whether to order a Commission of Inquiry early in 2015.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is informing the public that the elevator in the Central Administration Complex is out of service at this time and persons are asked to use the stairs.

Acting in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 199), as amended, Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for 2015:

Citizens and residents, businesses, public officers, and visitors will soon have access to Government’s information, news and services from one central location when the newly transformed Web site www.bvi.gov.vg. is officially launched tomorrow, January 20.

Citizens and residents, businesses, public officers, and visitors will soon have access to Government’s information, news and services from one central location when the newly transformed Web site www.bvi.gov.vg. is officially launched tomorrow, January 20.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is informing the public that Parker Road, Road Town which runs between Josh Bakery and Little Denmark will be closed for works from Friday, January 16 from 7:00 p.m. to vehicular traffic.  Works are expected to last for a 27 day period. 

Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool is informing the Jost Van Dyke community that he will hold office hours on Jost Van Dyke on Friday, January 23 from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Jost Van Dyke Library.

The Department of Motor Vehicles is informing their customers that they are to expect delays in service at both DMV branches.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs is informing the public that on Monday January 19, its cashier’s office will open at 10:00 a.m. and not the usual 9:00 a.m.