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BRITISH PASSPORT FEES INCREASED

Friday, August 27

Effective July 5, persons applying for British Passports will have to pay in addition to postage fees, $205 for an adult 32 page passport and $247 for an adult 48 page passport. The fee for a child 32 page passport with validity for five years is $130.

Registrar-General, Mrs. Stephanie Benn explained that the passport team in Washington’s aim is to issue all new passports within four weeks. The processing time will commence from the date payment is accepted.

Mrs. Benn is also reminding the public that, “Effective August 2009 applications for British Passports are now processed and printed in Washington DC and should be sent via courier of their choice or registered post directly to: The UK Passport Service Centre for the Americas and Caribbean, British Embassy, 19 Observatory Circle, NW, Washington DC 20008-361.”

She said it is strongly recommended that persons always refer to the website for fees before submitting an application as fees are subject to change without notice.

For further information, persons may contact the Careline Services through the Passport Information Helpline.

Additionally, information, guidance and copies of application forms can be obtained from the Civil Registry and Passport Office, the Governor's Office or www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk or www.ukinbarbados.fco.gov.uk

IRD ENCOURAGES PUBLIC TO PAY PROPERTY TAX

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) encouraged the public to pay their property tax on time on last night’s Public Eye programme.

Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Orris Thomas, and Revenue Officer, Ms. Shanika Lamont, both represented the IRD as guests, on the department of Information and Public Relation’s television programme Public Eye. The IRD holds the responsibility for assessing the taxes, licences and fees due to the Government in relation to properties.

The Public Eye programme was geared towards educating the public about property tax and all procedures involved, including definition of terms used, calculation of tax and explanation of the assessment process.

The IRD senior Public Officers informed viewers that property tax is due and payable from September 1 through November 30, and that persons in arrears are charged a penalty of 20% per year for each year the taxes remain unpaid.

They also encouraged persons to pay on time, or come into the department to explain their situation and arrange a payment plan.

Property tax payments can be made at the IRD’s main offices in Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Cheques, credit cards and cash are accepted. The post office branches in the East End and West End districts are also accepting payments during the month of September only. District officers on Anegada and Jost Van Dyke also accept payments on the IRD’s behalf.

“The Inland Revenue Department has sought to increase convenience for property owners to make their payments at various locations, as opposed to coming into our main office,” said Mr. Thomas.

Regarding property assessments, Ms. Lamont said that information collected when conducting site visits include the name of the owner(s), room types and number of rooms, materials used for building, location, any special amenities and the owner’s estimated rental value. After the visit, the IRD would determine the property’s monthly rental value based on the information collected.

To clarify the issue of property tax calculation, Ms. Lamont explained, “To calculate house tax, the yearly rental value is multiplied by 1.5 percent. Land tax is determined by status and how much land is owned. For instance, belongers pay $10 per acre and $3 for additional acreage. Non-belongers pay $50 for a half acre and under, $150 for over half an acre but less than an acre, and $50 for additional acreage, or part thereof.”

She concluded by explaining that the figures for both house and land tax are added together to show the total property tax payable. Those figures are then added to a database to produce assessment listings, which are posted throughout the Territory.

The Deputy Commissioner then related that property owners are rightfully allowed to object to an assessment. He encouraged persons with objections to inform the department, so that the requisite documentation to support the assessment is presented to the Magistrate in a timely manner, as opposed to seeking an adjournment.

“This saves time for both the property owner and the department, and expedites court proceedings,” Mr. Thomas said.

The dates are September 4 for property owners on Tortola and the outer islands excluding Virgin Gorda, and October 6 for those on Virgin Gorda. Both court sessions begin at 10:00am.

For more information, please contact the Inland Revenue Department via telephone 468-3701 extension 2155 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Public Eye programme will be re-broadcast on CBN Channel 51 this Saturday at 9:30pm and JTV Channel 55 this Sunday at 1:30pm.

EDUCATORS “BOOST” AT SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Thursday, August 26 - With hugs, kisses and handshakes educators greeted each other as they entered the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Auditorium yesterday to open the Department of Education’s one-week Summer Institute which marked the beginning the new academic year 2010/2011.

Approximately, three hundred educators attended the opening ceremony, which was described by many as an “energy booster”. Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie told the educators that the future of this Territory is in their hands.

“The bright future for the children of this Territory that we are all looking for begins with each one of us taken care of our assignments despite the challenges,” he said.

Minister Fahie challenged everyone to enter the coming school year with a united front and to uphold the noble profession of teaching with pride, dedication and innovation, as this unity will result in success.

As the theme for this school year is “Moving from Good to Great: What will you do?” Permanent Secretary Ms. Carolyn O’Neal challenged the educators to rise above all of the obstacles that may come their way and strive to make the Territory’s education system the best in the world. “As teachers and educators we must all play our part and make an effort to improve our education system,” she said. Ms. O’Neal also pledged her commitment and support to the teachers.

Acting Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcia Potter encouraged the attendees to “make sure that every child in their charge sees some achievement”.

Motivational Speaker and author Ms. Lisa Nichols tapped into the emotions of the audience as she related her struggles as a former student. “I was not an A+, A, B+, B, or C+ student,” she told the gathering, adding, “I was that child who could not quite get it, so I am here today to represent those students and speak on their behalf.”

Ms. Nichols urged the teachers to reach all their students especially those who have difficulties and are struggling because they too can excel. “I want to show you that in spite of failing tests and challenges in the classrooms we can grow up and be somebody,” she noted.

During the week, principals, teachers and guidance officers will participate in a series of workshops and trainings which will include PowerSchool and Health and Family Life Trainings; Assessment and Mathematics workshops. Additionally, participants will also be attending level meetings, amongst other developmental seminars.

The Summer Institute is an annual conference which is organised by the Department of Education as a prelude to the opening of the new academic year. During this conference educators are informed of the upcoming activities for the new school year and they participate in a series of developmental seminars and training to prepare them for the school year.

The mission of the Department of Education is to equip learners of all ages with the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to become productive citizens in a rapidly changing society.

GOVERNOR MCCLEARY TO MAKE FIRST VISITS TO SISTER ISLANDS

Government announced recently that His Excellency the Governor, Mr. William Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO will be making his first official visits to the Sister Islands beginning today Thursday August 26th.

The new Governor is scheduled to be on Virgin Gorda on August 26, Jost Van Dyke on August 27 and Anegada on September 3.

Residents are encouraged to come out and meet the new Governor at the Virgin Gorda Administration Complex, Vanterpool Building at 10:00 a.m. on August 26 and Foxy’s Restaurant at 11:45 a.m. on August 27.

The meet and greet for the residents of Anegada will be announced at a later date.

For further information, contact the Sister Islands Programme Coordinator in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Vincent Wheatley at telephone 468-3701 extension 2200.

Governor McCleary succeeds Governor Peary who left Office on August 5^th, he was sworn in as the BVI’s 15^th Governor on Friday August 20^th.

Course Designed to Help with Sewing Skills Begins September

H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will be offering an eight-week course aimed at teaching basic sewing techniques and how to construct simple garments and other articles for the home, beginning in September.

The course, “Basic Clothing Construction,” will also cover areas such as the proper use and care of a sewing machine, principles of clothing construction, common sewing terminology, fabric selection, cutting techniques, and finishing methods.

Classes will begin on Saturday 11 September at 10:30 a.m. at the Elmore Stoutt High School. The course will continue each Saturday until 6 November, with each session running for three hours.

Instructor for the course will be Ruth Frazier, who brings a wealth of experience in clothing construction through her formal training, years of teaching the subject at the Elmore Stoutt High School, and from private enterprise.

The course is being offered through the Office of Centres and Institutes of the Workforce Training Division at HLSCC. Cost is $220 per person.

For more information, please contact Director of Centres and Institutes at HLSCC, Alegra Jennings, tel. 852-7198, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CUSTOMS MANAGEMENT AND DUTIES ACT PASSED IN HOUSE

Wednesday, August 25 – After long deliberations in committee stage sessions, Members of the House Assembly passed the new Customs Management and Duties Act, 2010 at the recent 14th sitting of the third session of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands.

The new act comprises nine schedules, specifically outlining various tasks and new procedures including customs controlled areas, importation and exportation of goods, the powers of customs officers, collection of duties and legal proceedings.

Schedule 4 of the act gives a detailed description of the new integrated customs tariff, which uses the harmonised system. It also stipulates the processes involved with the trader’s side of the computerised system, known as the Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS).

During a recent interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Deputy Comptroller (Enforcement), Mr. Dean Fahie said, that with the passing of the new act, it will enhance customs’ capabilities, in relation to the management of customs duties and the enforcement of the laws of the Territory.

He added that this will also assist the customs department in gathering important trade information, and will facilitate more effective and accurate assessments. The new legislation will enable the department to better utilise our officers, placing their focus on inspections and the clearance process.

Earlier this month, Comptroller of Customs Mr. Wade Smith commented that the new customs act is a signal that positive change will take place for the customs department and stakeholders.

He also said that the department has been making preparations for the transitioning of the new system and that immediate training will begin now that the legislation has been established.

By law, copies of the act cannot be made available to the public until it has been assented to by the governor and gazetted. Persons who wish to access electronic copies of the act after it has been gazetted, can do so by contacting the Customs Department via telephone 468-3701 extension 6800.

The BVI Customs Department’s responsibilities include safeguarding the well-being and security of the Territory by facilitating legitimate trade, enforcing import and export regulations and conducting covert and overt surveillance of the Territory’s waters.

Safer Building Level I to be Offered on Virgin Gorda

The Safer Building Level I Course is to be made available for residents on Virgin Gorda during the Fall 2010 semester as part of offerings announced by the Workforce Training Division’s Office of Centres and Institutes at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Construction workers and building contractors who live on the island are therefore being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity. The course is also meant for those who wish to improve their skills in basic construction or to prepare for jobs in the industry.

Classes will begin on Saturday 18 September from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the College’s Virgin Gorda Centre, Enid Pickering Building, in the Valley. Thereafter, sessions will continue every Saturday at the same time until the course concludes on 6 November.

Safer Building Level I introduces participants to pre-construction planning, site preparation, access road construction, building layout, foundations, walls, roofs, storage of materials, and maintenance.

Level I also seeks to identify vulnerable building areas and methods that can be used to reduce such vulnerability. One of the main aims is to show how pre-construction planning helps in the timely and cost-effective completion of well built structures.

The Safer Building Certification, offered in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, is now part of the overall criteria when applications for trade licences in the construction industry are being considered. Government also relies on courses such as these as part of its efforts to standardise the construction industry, as well as to enhance local capacity to reduce vulnerability to the effects of natural hazards.

Course fee for Level I is $350, which covers all materials. For more information, please contact Director of Centres and Institutes at HLSCC, Alegra Jennings, tel. 852-7198, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ROAD TOWN THE BEAUTIFUL

At least according to District Rep Scatliffe

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Fourth District Representative, Hon. Vincent Scatliffe believes that a brilliant and marvelous job has been done to clean up Road Town and make its appearance friendly, given the limited resources available.

According to an article published on local news site BVIPlatinum the minister said, "The truth is that myself and the Manager for Wickham´s Cay, work very well hand in hand together in trying to clean the city and beautify it and make sure all goes well, given the limited resources we have. Mr. Speaker, and we are doing a marvelous and brilliant job with it," Scatliffe said during the House of Assembly.

The District Representative was at the time responding to previous comments by Opposition Leader, Dr. Orlando Smith over the filthy state of Road Town, including the Roundabout, Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park and other surrounding areas.

Last month, Smith recommended that there be the reintroduction of a city management system, while stressing that it´s a sad situation since it does not leave a good impression on visitors.

The Opposition Leader gave examples of the Road Town Roundabout which is overgrown with weeds, the condition of the sidewalks through Road Town and the state of the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Park. He said that the park is a heavily visited site and is used often for functions, so it should be maintained.

However, Scatliffe said that despite in need of some trimming, the Road Town Roundabout is being well maintained. He also assured that the Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park is being maintained and other surrounding areas with the limited resources available.

He also used the opportunity to mention some improvements on the way for the beautification of Road Town, including the Band Stand area, Sunday Morning Well, House of Assembly where the Kendoy Penn bench will be restored and works on drainage and historical sites.

Scatliffe also disclosed that the proper lighting will be installed at Wickham´s Cay I, next to the Scotia Bank area which has been the subject of crimes.