Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley is away from the Territory attending the Monaco Yacht Show until October 1 and the United Nations Meeting in New York on October 3 and 4.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has enhanced the capacity for the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority to compete internationally with the passing of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act and the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act 2022.

The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023 had its first reading in the House of Assembly on June 29.

Madam Speaker, over the weekend, I made an announcement pertaining to the change in some of the requirements for foreign based charter vessels.

The Government of the Virgin Islands acting through the Attorney General’s Chambers is inviting qualified, professional, experienced, and resourceful candidates to submit Expressions of Interest to create a specialist panel to provide legislative drafting services for the comprehensive review of the maritime laws of the British Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands has been put a step closer to the establishment of a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) with the training of 14 individuals representing the Virgin Islands’ search and rescue response teams.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to safeguarding the well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands and its visitors, while protecting the borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring compliance.

This morning, I wish to provide another bi-monthly update on the work that your Government continues to do to deliver transparent and accountable Governance by providing information to the public and answering questions from the media; strengthen the resilience of these islands; and to improve the quality of life for all our citizens.

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is in the process of developing a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) with assistance by AMP Global Strategies.

 Government continues to significantly invest in the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR), which will become a major revenue earner for the Virgin Islands. The VISR is poised to become a leading Maritime Authority in the Global economy.