The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has called for a digital and balanced recovery in the Caribbean from the COVID-19 pandemic, at a virtual dialogue on work and life in the region, organised by UNESCO and The University of the West Indies (The UWI) on September 9.
During the dialogue’s High-Level Panel, Special Envoy of the Premier Benito Wheatley made remarks on the importance of balancing the social, economic and digital aspects of recovery in the Caribbean.
Read more: British Virgin Islands tells UNESCO Caribbean needs digital, balanced recovery from COVID
A few minor connection glitches were not enough to disrupt a virtual launch of the government’s online work permit system on Monday, July 12.
The first of several expected elements of an e-government platform, the work permit system has been years in the making. The system allows employees to apply for work permits without having to visit the departments of Immigration and Labour until payments are to be made, Chief Immigration Officer Ian Penn said.
Read more: VG: Government launches online work permit system
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting regular operational hours in the British Virgin Islands, government is now accepting payments for services via remote processing.
The Office of the Premier said in a media release on Tuesday that the remote payment options will allow for the receipt of payments while protecting both the customers and public officers from COVID-19.
Read more: VG: Gov’t now accepting payments through remote processing
The Government of the Virgin will be introducing Bills to support the comprehensive digital transformation of the Public Service and improve e-payments for customers.
His Excellency the Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert while delivering the Speech from the Throne outlining the Government’s Legislative Agenda explained that the Bills that will be introduced during the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly will include Data Protection, Electronic Filing, Electronic Funds Transfer and Electronic Transactions.
Read more: VG: Government Bills To Improve E-Payments To Public Service
Government has commenced stakeholder meetings to review multiple e-Government legislations which are soon expected to be implemented in the British Virgin Islands.
A government-commissioned media release dated January 7 said the series of meetings, which began on January 6, is being conducted through a collaboration between government and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union.
Read more: VG: Stakeholder meetings commence for roll-out of e-Government laws