2019 in the British Virgin Islands

Events from the year 2019 in the British Virgin Islands.

← 2018 2017 2016 2019 in the BVI → 2020 2021 2022
Decades:
See also:	Other events of 2019 Timeline of BVI history

Incumbents

• Governor: Augustus Jaspert
• Premier:
  • Orlando Smith (until 25 February 2019)
  • Andrew Fahie (from 26 February 2019)

Events

January

• 23 January - The House of Assembly is dissolved in anticipation of the 2019 general election, called for 25 February.[1]

February

2019 general election.

• 3 February - The Territory records its first murder of the year.[2]
• 25 February - The Virgin Islands Party wins the 2019 British Virgin Islands general election with 8 seats.[3] A record seven first-time candidates (all VIP) won. Andrew Fahie was appointed Premier.[4]
• 28 February - Marlon Penn is sworn in as Leader of the Opposition following the surprise defeat of party leader, Myron Walwyn.[5]

March

• 5 March - Former Cabinet Minister Mark Vanterpool abruptly resigns from politics just eight days after winning his seat in the 2019 general election.[6]
• 14 March - Former Cabinet Minister Mark Vanterpool withdraws his resignation and alleges it was legally invalid.[7] A dispute arises with the Speaker of the House as to whether the seat is vacant or not.

April

• 24 April - Controversy arises in relation to a non-tender US$98,000 six month consultancy contract awarded by the new Government to Claude Skelton-Cline, a media personality who endorsed the party. Contracts under US$100,000 are not required to be tendered under local law.[8]
• 25 April - Premier Andrew Fahie indicates he has received death threats, and has retained bodyguards.[9]

May

• 2 May
  • Mark Vanterpool is successful in his court action validating his claim to still be entitled to take up his seat in the House of Assembly despite attempting to resign before being sworn in.[10]
  • Controversy arises in relation to a non-tendered purchase of a $115,000 vehicle for the use of the Premier.[11]

August

• 28 August - The Territory is struck lightly by Hurricane Dorian. No deaths or serious injuries are reported.

September

• 5 September - The exemption from requiring a work permit in favour of students is repealed.[12]
• 13 September - Phase 1 of the new territorial system for addresses is rolled out.[13]

November

• 11 November - Former Chief Minister and Premier Ralph T. O'Neal dies.[14]
• 14 November - In the 'speech from the Throne' Governor Augustus Jaspert indicates that the Government proposes to legalise and regulate gambling.[15]
• 15 November - Government announces it is passing laws to permit the growing of medical marijuana.[16]
• 20 November - Premier Andrew Fahie announced that the National Health Insurance scheme was to be restructured because "the current scheme is unsustainable and is in threat of failure".[17]

Deaths

• 11 November - Ralph T. O'Neal, former Premier[14]

Footnotes

1. "Election day February 25!". BVI News. 23 January 2019.
2. "Man Shot Dead In Huntum's Ghut". BVI Platinum. 3 February 2019.
3. "Election results, VIP wins! Walwyn not elected". BVI News. 26 February 2019.
4. "Andrew Fahie sworn in as Premier". BVI News. 26 February 2019.
5. "Marlon Penn sworn in as Opposition Leader". BVI News. 28 February 2019.
6. "Mark Vanterpool resigns!". BVI News. 5 March 2019.
7. "Resignation letter was invalid, I'm coming out of retirement for the people". BVI News. 14 March 2019.
8. "Govt 'invited' Skelton Cline to submit proposal for $98K, says Premier's Office". BVI News. 24 April 2019.
9. "Premier Receives Assassination Threats". BVI Platinum. 26 April 2019.
10. "Court saw Willock's bias, says Vanterpool on D4 victory". BVI News. 2 May 2019.
11. "Safety issues lead to Premier getting new $115K Cadillac Escalade". BVI News. 2 May 2019.
12. "Revised Policy: New fees, students no longer qualify for work permit exemption". BVI New. 5 September 2019.
13. "Phase 1 of Nat'l Addressing System to roll out this month, online mapping portal created". BVI News. 13 September 2019.
14. "A territory mourns - Late Premier described as true statesman, legend". BVI News. 2 November 2019.
15. "Gov't introducing legislation to accommodate, regulate gambling and betting in the BVI". BVI News. 14 November 2019.
16. "Gov't to introduce legislation for the 'production and sale' of medical marijuana". BVI News. 15 November 2019.
17. "NHI scheme to be restructured! Current system 'in threat of failure', says Premier". BVI News. 20 November 2019.