North & Central America and Caribbean

British Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory)
Last reviewed: 5 August 2008

Country information

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Map of the British Virgin Islands

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TODAY

Country Facts

Status: British Overseas Territory
Area: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)
Population: 27,000 (estimate for 2005)
Capital: Road Town, Tortola
Languages: English
Religion: Christian
Currency: US Dollar
Major political parties: National Democratic Party (NDP), Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
Governor: His Excellency David Pearey
Premier: The Honourable Ralph Telford O’Neal OBE

Drugs

Problems associated with drug trafficking are potentially the most serious threat to stability in the BVI. The territory is a major target for traffickers because of its numerous small uninhabited islands and close proximity to the USVI and Puerto Rico, which serve as gateways to the US mainland. Britain has provided a police launch, and jointly funds with the British Virgin Islands Government a number of British personnel, and other anti-narcotics equipment to assist counter-drug activity.

The BVI has a full Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the US and enjoy close co-operation with US law enforcement agencies. The Drug Trafficking Offences Bill - similar to UK legislation permitting seizure of assets – was passed in 1992, and a Criminal Justice International Co-operation Act was introduced in 1993. New legislation (2003) on money laundering covers all crimes, not just drug related crimes, thereby bringing the BVI into line with UK legislation.