Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE has announced that the BVI is an arbitration jurisdiction, and is open for business following the International Arbitration Conference.

Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and Chairman of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), has successfully concluded a series of meetings in the BVI with political leaders, officials, and delegates from the  European Union (EU)  and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).

Premier of the British Virgin Islands and Chairman of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE is pictured here during courtesy visits from Prime Minister Honourable Marcel Gumbs of St. Maarten; (left) and Prime Minister of Curaçao, Honourable Ivar Asjes on Tuesday February 24, 2015. 

Excellencies, Heads of Government, Honourable Ministers, Heads of Delegations, Distinguished Delegates, ladies and gentleman, Good evening.

As Chairman of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTA), and on behalf of the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands, I extend a warm welcome to all participants and delegates to the British Virgin Islands.

Good morning: 

As country host, let me first welcome you to the British Virgin Islands (BVI).  We are delighted that you have joined us here on the island of Tortola and I encourage you during your breaks to explore our capital Road Town and other parts of the island. Representatives of my Government are available should you require any assistance.

Ladies and gentleman,

On the occasion of three very important European Union (EU) related meetings which will take place here in the BVI next week.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken further strides to improve its regional ties as Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE attends the 60^th Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority in Fort de France, Martinique.

The Government of the Virgin Islands, in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat, will be conducting a labour force survey in the Virgin Islands beginning on January 19, 2015.

Director of the Central Statistics Office, Mr. Raymond Phillips stated that a labour force survey provides estimates of employment and unemployment. These he said are among the most important indicators of economic stability of any economy.

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.