Finance and Business
Supreme Court to review ruling on equality for citizens in US territories
VI CONSORTIUM
WASHINGTON DC, USA- The United States Supreme Court on Monday, March 1, 2021, announced it will be reviewing a ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit that unanimously found it unconstitutional to deny low-income elderly, blind and disabled residents of Puerto Rico the same access to federal support enjoyed by other Americans living in the states and certain other territories.
‘Cannabis cannot replace food’- Bishop John I. Cline
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church in Duff's Bottom, Tortola, Mr John I. Cline is urging the Andrew A. Fahie Government to not ignore the cash crop industry in pursuit of the medical marijuana industry.
Corruption? High Court rules UK Gov’t broke own law over COVID contracts!
LONDON, United Kingdom- While the United Kingdom Government seems bent on labelling the Virgin Islands as corrupt to the extent that it has backed a controversial Commission of Inquiry into governance, it has been found to not be without sin as the High Court in the United Kingdom (UK) has ruled that the country’s Health Secretary, Matthew J. D. Hancock aka ‘Matt’, unlawfully failed to publish details of billions of pounds' worth of coronavirus-relate
Hon Penn blasted for suggesting VI take £300M UK Loan Guarantee
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Leader of the Opposition Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has come under fire for suggesting that the Virgin Islands (VI) should have taken the £300M loan guarantee offered by the United Kingdom (UK), even as the Fahie administration has repeatedly said the loan came with conditions that could have adversely affected the territory.
The pandemic & countries that prevailed against it
by Dickson C. Igwe
What was the common denominator for countries that kept the pandemic to a minimum? Unlike in the USA, Brazil, and UK, draconian action and effective governance appeared to be the key components in keeping the COVID 19 virus from spreading in specific countries.
Kharid T. Fraser appointed Deputy Chairman of FSC Board of Commissioners
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands on February 17, 2021, decided that Robin F. Gaul be appointed Chairman of the Financial Services Commission’s Board of Commissioners and that former Accountant General Mrs Kharid T. Fraser being appointed Deputy Chairman.
Cabinet approves $360K month payment for barge patrol services
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has given the green light for the payment of $360,000 to a local company for providing sea patrols for one month.
Gov’t ‘lacks a clear plan for reopening of territory’s seaports’- Hon Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following the announcement from the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) late yesterday, February 24, 2021, that the reopening of the territory’ seaports to international operations has been further delayed, to April 15, 2021, the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has come out swinging, accusing Government of lacking a plan and transparency.
Reopening of seaports to international visitors deferred to April 15, 2021
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Citing a number of reasons, including increased numbers of COVID-19 cases in the region and the emergence of new strains of coronavirus in certain countries, the reopening of the seaports to international ferry operations has been further deferred to April 15, 2021.
Newly launched Trade Commission to be ‘fully functional’ in 3-5 years – Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said, despite the launching of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission yesterday, February 23, 2021, it will not become a fully-functioning entity for the next couple of years.