BVI LAUNCHES NEW NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has upgraded its border security and entry procedures with a new National Security Strategy targeting crime, maritime threats, and illegal entry. It introduces tougher penalties for firearm offences, enhanced police vetting, and plans for a new coastal radar system to monitor waters.

Under four specific headings, the strategy, introduced at the end of October, emphasises enhanced maritime monitoring around the archipelago, tougher digital immigration and customs controls for travellers, tighter entry requirements, and tougher customs enforcement for imports and exports.

Maritime monitoring will see more inspection of vessels and additional coastal patrols, particularly targeting unauthorised crossings from the United States Virgin Islands(USVI).

The BVI authorities have also introduced an online immigration and customs portal which requires travellers to enter their details up to 72 hours prior to arrival. All visitors entering by air or sea now require a valid passport, proof of return/onward travel, and appropriate clearance through the territory’s ports. There are also new and stricter restrictions on firearms, ammunition, and controlled substances; unapproved spearguns and marine extraction.

​The BVI government says the new national security strategy “identifies the security threats facing The Virgin Islands, sets out the key internal challenges that affect the territory’s ability to respond, lists priority actions that will be taken to address those challenges and establishes a Security and Justice Transformation Programme to coordinate, oversee and drive delivery of the actions.”

Governor of The Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, said: ‘This strategy sets out a clear vision for a safe, secure and resilient Virgin Islands. Developed by partners across the security and justice sector, it provides a framework for addressing the challenges we face today while strengthening our ability to respond to those of the future.”

BVI Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley said: “The safety and security of the Virgin Islands is a shared priority that calls for shared commitment. Our people deserve to feel safe in their homes, our children deserve to grow up free from violence and exploitation, and our businesses and visitors must have confidence in the security of our Territory.”

The UK Minister of State in the Home Office, Lord David Hanson, was in the BVI for the launch of the new National Security Strategy. “This strategy brings partners together to tackle crime, to protect the vulnerable and strengthen justice in the Territory. We stand ready to support its delivery, helping build a safer future for the people of The Virgin Islands. Through this coordinated programme of reform, the Territory will strengthen its ability to tackle crime, protect communities, secure borders and increase resilience to emergencies and natural disasters,” he remarked.