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North & Central America and Caribbean
British Virgin Islands (British Overseas Territory) |
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Last reviewed: 5 August 2008 |
Country information
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.
ECONOMY
Basic Economic Facts
GDP per capita: $41,700 (2006 estimate)
Annual Growth: 7.2% (2006 estimate)
Inflation: 1.9% (2005)
Major Industries: tourism, international financial services
Major trading partners: US Virgin Islands, and the USA
Exchange rate: UK£1 = US$2.01 (August 2007)
HISTORY
Discovered by Columbus in 1493, the islands came into British possession in 1666 when planters took control from the original Dutch settlers. The islands were annexed by the British in 1672. In 1872 they were incorporated into the British colony of the Leeward Islands. These islands were administered under a federal system until 1956 when the Federation was dissolved. The Governor of the Leeward Islands continued to run BVI until 1960 when an appointed Administrator (later a Governor) assumed direct responsibility.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Relations with Neighbours
The British Virgin Islands enjoy a close relationship with the other Caribbean Overseas Territories. Whilst the influence of neighbouring USVI is strong (US education and satellite TV), the BVI continues to value its association with the UK, which is regarded as an important aspect of the country's personality, making it distinct from the USVI.
Relations with the International Community
HMG is responsible for BVI's external relations. The BVI is an associate member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Relations with the UK
HMG is responsible for BVI's external relations, defence and internal security. The principal point of contact is Overseas Territories Department (Foreign and Commonwealth Office), and the Governor’s Office, Road Town, Tortola.
UK Office of the BVI
Ms Dawn Smith, Director
The Government of the British Virgin Islands
15 Upper Grosvenor Street
London
W1K 7PJ
Tel: 020 7355 9570/2
Fax: 020 7355 9575
GEOGRAPHY
The British Virgin Islands are adjacent to the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. The BVI comprises over 40 islands, islets and cays (some little more than rocks) with a total land area of only 59 sq miles scattered over some 1,330 sq miles of sea. Sixteen of the islands are inhabited, the largest being Tortola (21 sq miles), Anegada (15 sq miles), Virgin Gorda (8 sq miles) and Jost van Dyke (3.4 sq miles). Lush vegetation, sandy beaches, numerous yachting marinas and fine coral reefs make the islands a natural tourist destination.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Trade and Investment with the UK
UK exports to the BVI: £15 million (2006)
BVI exports to the UK: £23.7 million (2006)
The British Trade Office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is no longer responsible for trade promotion in the BVI.
UK Development Assistance
The FCO, through its Overseas Territories Programme Fund (OTPF), supports projects that contribute to the maintenance of stability and security as well as the promotion of accountable government. The main focus of OTPF expenditure in the British Virgin Islands is devoted to enhancing the capabilities of the Law Enforcement Agencies, including the prison service and the police.
The British Virgin Islands benefits from DFID-funded regional OT projects and emergency aid in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
POLITICS
Constitutional Status
The present Constitution came into force on 15 June 2007. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory with a large measure of internal self-government. The Governor has direct responsibility for external affairs, defence and internal security (including the Police), the Public Service and the administration of the courts. The Constitution provides for a ministerial system of government. The Governor is the head of the government, and Premier, a locally elected politician, is appointed by the Governor. The position of Premier replaced that of Chief Minister under the new constitution.
The House of Assembly comprises 13 elected members plus the Attorney General and the Speaker. Nine members are elected to represent one district each, and the remaining 4 by territory-wide vote. The Premier and the 4 other Ministers must be elected members of the House of Assembly.
Recent Political Developments
Elections were held on 20 August 2007. The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won 7 District seats and 3 At-Large seats, defeating the National Democratic Party (NDP) which had been in power since 2003. Ralph Telford O’Neal OBE became the first Premier.
Elections
Elections are held at least every 4 years. The next election should take place in 2011.
Government
Governor's Office
Governor: HE David Pearey
Head of the Governor's Office: Nicolette Smith
Staff Officer: Emma Dean
Personal Assistant: Helen Kay
Government House
PO Box 702
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel: 00 1 284 494 2345/2370
Fax: 00 1 284 494 5790
00 1 284 468 4490
Office of the Deputy Governor
Deputy Governor: Elton Georges
Government Administration Building
Road Town
Tortola
Tel: 00 1 284 468 0346
Fax: 00 1 284 494 6481
Government Ministers
Premier and Minister of Finance and Tourism: The Hon Ralph Telford O’Neal OBE
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development: The Hon Ruth Dancia Penn OBE QC
Minister of Communication and Works: Julian Fraser
Minister of Natural Resources and Labour: Omar Wallace Hodge
Minister of Education and Culture: Andrew Fahie
Attorney General: The Hon Kathleen Quartey
HUMAN RIGHTS
Overseas Territories are expected to comply with their obligations under the international human rights instruments which have been extended to them. The following major human rights conventions have been extended to the British Virgin Islands:
- European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
- International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights (ICESCR)
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
- UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT)
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
- UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
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Useful Links
Contacts
British Virgin Islands, Tortola, Governor's Office
Address:
Governor's Office,
PO Box 702,
Waterfront Drive,
Road Town,
Tortola
VG1110
Telephone:
00 (1) 284 494 2345 / 2370
Fax:
00 (1) 284 468-4490
Email: mailto:Govoffice.Tortola@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
Mon-Fri: 1230-2030 GMT
Mon-Fri: 0830-1630 Local Time