Agriculture is a small but critically important industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Agriculture is only a small portion of the territory’s gross domestic product (GDP); roughly 97 percent of our food is imported from elsewhere. This leaves the territory vulnerable to food shortages in case of any global food crisis. The government wants to
Community Affairs
VI Attorney Tom Bolt Appointed to Uniform Law Commission’s Study Committee on Mitigation of Public Health Emergency Business Disruptions
Virgin Islands attorney Tom Bolt, Managing Attorney of BoltNagi PC, has been appointed to the Uniform Law Commission’s Study Committee on Mitigation of Public Health Emergency Business Disruptions. The ULC study committee was formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that closed the United States economy and the need for clear and consistent guidance…
BoltNagi’s Response to COVID-19 and our Commitment to You
To our valued clients, partners, & community members:
As COVID-19 continues to affect the global community, we assure you that BoltNagi, its attorneys and staff shall remain fully operational. We are taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of our employees while continuing to provide services without disruption to our clients.
We want to update…
Avoiding Repair Fraud After a Disaster
U.S. Virgin Islands residents affected by recent back-to-back Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria have already absorbed a crippling blow in the form of damaged homes, lost roofs and possessions, and significant interruptions in business and employment. As if this isn’t enough, Virgin Islanders now face another growing concern: repair scams.
Insurance and repair scams …
The Economic Impact of Zika on the US Virgin Islands
Throughout 2016, there were widespread concerns among travelers about heading to the Caribbean region, as the Zika virus outbreak caused concern particularly among pregnant women. The mosquito-borne disease is linked to brain damage in fetuses. Fears were particularly heightened when the media reported there were more than 100 positive cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands.…
Gov. Mapp Outlines Economic Development Initiatives for U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp recently held a press conference at Government House, where he discussed a number of economic development initiatives.
Tourism has long been the single-largest driver of the economy in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the industry has fully recovered since the Great Recession. Mapp emphasized the importance of the…
How the ‘One Person-One Vote’ Supreme Court Ruling Will Affect Virgin Isalnds Senate Elections
Back in April, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that states were allowed to count all of its residents—and not just those eligible to vote—when drawing their elective districts. The decision was a significant statement on the principle of “one person, one vote,” and marked the first time the Supreme Court had ever ruled on…
St. Thomas Business Camp Helps Entrepreneurs Learn Valuable Strategies
A recent weekend training program drew more than 100 current and aspiring small business owners to the Cardiac Center at the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix, where participants received instruction and advice from a charismatic and renowned lecturer. Small Business Camp Weekend is held regularly on the island and directed by Andrew…
Virgin Island Port Authority Aims to Expand Airports
The U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) recently announced plans for projects designed to improve the Territory’s airport infrastructure in 2015. These efforts are expected to cost more than $130 million over a five-year period.
Among the upgrades VIPA announced are improvements to the Gallows Bay Marine Terminal, the development of a paid parking facility…
Governor Mapp Considers Cuts, Revenue Generation to Close Budget Shortfall
In a recent appearance before the Senate Finance Committee, the financial team of new Governor Kenneth Mapp shared that the Government of the Virgin Islands, with projected revenues falling well short of the $737.6 million appropriated this year, has found itself with a $133 million budget shortfall for the current fiscal year. With just under…