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British Virgin Islands
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
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.
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.
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 four by territory-wide vote. The Premier and the four 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 seven District seats and three At-Large seats, defeating the National Democratic Party (NDP) which had been in power since 2003Ralph 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: Sue Cotton
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
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)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
British Virgin Islands' 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.
British Virgin Islands' 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).
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