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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
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