About British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a group of some 36 islands, 16 of which are inhabited, located about 70 miles east of Puerto Rico within the Lesser Antilles chain of the Caribbean Islands. They have an estimated population of 28,000. The islands occupy an area of 59 Sq miles. The principal town and commercial center is Road Town, on the island of Tortola. Principal economic activities are tourism and financial services. Principal access to the islands is by air through San Juan, Puerto Rico, or Antigua or by ferry from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
BVI has long been a travel destination. Yachters from around the globe converge on the BVI for its amenities. It is a hub for cruise ships. Beachgoers and surfers come to enjoy its quiet sandy beaches.
BVI’s international airport is known as the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), previously known as the Beef Island Airport. It is the gateway to the other islands in the BVI. It has direct flights to San Juan Puerto Rico and other destinations in the Caribbean.
There are many hotels on Tortola suitable for business travelers and for tourists. Road Town boasts many varied restaurants and bars for business entertainment.
BVI Governor
The BVI is a British Overseas Territory with a Governor appointed by Her Majesty’s Government, and an elected legislature headed by a Premier. The Governor is responsible for external relations, defense, and internal security including the police, public service and the administration of justice. All other matters, including finance and taxation, are the responsibility of local government. The Legal system is based on English Common Law; there is an efficient commercial court with final appeal to the UK Privy Council.
BVI Reputation
The Territory enjoys the reputation of being a stable, secure, sophisticated democracy with a commitment to providing quality service to a quality clientele. This reputation, together with innovative and flexible legislation, has helped to make BVI companies, such as Coverdale, become recognized and accepted by banks, stock exchanges and governments throughout the world. As such, the Territory is maintained as the largest incorporator of companies in the world.
The financial services industry enjoys a strong infrastructure. The Big 4 Accounting firms (Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and Klynveld>Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG)) each have offices on the island. BVI also has a number of multi-national law firms with offices located in Road Town.
BVI welcomes and attracts accounting and legal practitioners from around the globe to serve the global market. A high quality of legal and accounting services is a available in the BVI.