2023 in the British Virgin Islands explained

See also: 2023 in the Caribbean. Events from the year 2023 in the British Virgin Islands.

Incumbents

• Governor

John Rankin

• Premier

Natalio Wheatley

Events

January

• 10 January - Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Julian Willock, is reportedly arrested and then released in relation to suspicions of human trafficking.^{[1] [2]} Through a statement released on an affiliated news website, Willock strenuously denied the allegations, and referred to them as "unfounded".^[3] Willock had previously resigned as speaker under pressure from his party in May 2022.^[4]

April

• 24 April - 2023 British Virgin Islands general election: Citizens of the British Virgin Islands elect the 13 members of the House of Assembly.^[5] No party won an overall majority but the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won the most seats. Discussions to form a coalition ensued.^[6]
• 25 April - In a surprise move, Lorna Smith (wife of longtime National Democratic Party leader, Orlando Smith) switched allegiance to the VIP allowing them to form a government.^[7] Lorna Smith was made Deputy Premier.^[8]
• 27 April - The new Cabinet was announced. For the first time it included a new Ministerial position for financial services.^[9]

July

• 1 July - an armed robbery takes place during broad daylight at the Tortola Pier Park, a key tourist location.^[10]

October

• 3-4 October - Tropical Storm Philippe brings widescale flooding to the Territory, despite passing nearly 90 nautical miles to the north.^[11]
• 9 October - Unknown assailants opened fire on a prison van, reportedly to try and free a prisoner. One guard was injured.^[12]

See also

• 2023 in the Caribbean

Notes and References

1. Web site: Former Speaker arrested on suspicion of human trafficking . BVI News . 10 January 2023.
2. Web site: FORMER SPEAKER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED AND RELEASED ON SUSPECTED HUMAN TRAFFICKING . 284 Media . 10 January 2023.
3. Web site: 'I was detained & questioned by 6 Caucasian UK officers'- Willock . Virgin Islands News Online . 11 January 2023.
4. Web site: BVI Speaker asked to resign in wake of premier's drug arrest in US . Loop Caribbean News . 5 May 2022.
5. Web site: 2023-04-24 . British Virgin Islanders electing new government . 2023-04-25 . Jamaica Observer . en-US.
6. Web site: No Majority Winner! Negotiations Underway To Form New BVI Government . BVI Platinum . 24 April 2023.
7. Web site: Cornerstone! Lorna Smith joins VIP to help form new gov't . BVI News . 25 April 2023.
8. Web site: Lorna Smith sworn in as Deputy Premier . BVI News . 25 April 2023.
9. Web site: Financial Services introduced among ministerial assignments . BVI News . 1 May 2023.
10. Web site: 1 July 2023 . daring armed robbery reported at pier parks house of luxury . BVI News.
11. Web site: TS Philippe brings floods, infrastructural damage . BVI News . 4 October 2023.
12. Web site: Prison officer injured in shooting incident . BVI News . 9 October 2023.