BVI rating raised in Global Financial Centres Index

The jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands has become the only offshore financial centre the rating of which improved in the latest edition of Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 9), while other jurisdictions, including Bahamas, showed decline that had started with the beginning of the global financial crisis in 2008. GFTI rating of the BVI raised by two points and achieved 40th place in the ranking. Executive Director of the BVI International Finance Centre Sheri Ortiz considers that the BVI's boost in the ninth edition of the GFCI is for the centre's ongoing commitment to regulation, transparency and continued growth in the financial services offering of the jurisdiction.

BVI Premier Visits OECS Special Meeting

Premier and Minister of Finance in the British Virgin Islands, Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, has visited a special one-day meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority in Antigua. The main focus of the meeting are the contributions of OECS member states, other agenda items are the future staff and skill requirements at the OECS Commission, the financing of the OECS Economic Union Organs, along with the resources deployed in the overseas diplomatic and technical missions.

During his visit, the Premier is accompanied by Ms. Najan Christopher, the Assistant Secretary in the Premier's Office (External Affairs), and the Premier's Private Secretary, Ms. Marsha Gumbs.

The British Virgin Islands is an associate member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States since November 1984. Other members are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Montserrat. Anguilla, as well as the British Virgin Islands, is an associate member of the OECS.