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by pltm
(PLTM) - The people of the BVI will have to brace for more increase in fees and fines, with government announcing plans to bring various legislation during this House of Assembly session to allow for the latter in the areas of traffic, immigration and court, among other areas. Governor John Duncan made the announcement on behalf of the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration while delivering the Speech from the Throne today, September 22 at the House of Assembly. Governor Duncan said the Vehicle and Road Traffic Signs Amendment Regulations of 2011 will be upgraded to address the parking in Road Town, adding, "The proposed amendments also include an increase in traffic fines." He said that regulations will also be brought to bring in line traffic signs on display or not on display. Further, they intend to seek to upgrade the Police Act to strengthen the capability of the police force. In relation to immigration, Governor Duncan said that government will be proposing a revision of existing fees. "Our government will also seek to amend the Immigration and Passport Regulation 2014, to revise existing immigration fees and introduction of new fees and fines," he said. Additionally, government will seek to amend the Merchants and Shipping Fees and Charges Regulations 2008, where the cost for services will remain competitive locally and globally. Touching on court fees, Governor Duncan said that earlier this year, Cabinet approved several proceeding orders which will allow for increase in court fees. "These form part of the amendment bill, to allow for the filing of documents...These pieces of legislation will align fees with the current business practices and charges of industry stakeholders and it will introduce new fees for services currently offered and not being charged for," Governor Duncan said. Government intends to amend the Supreme Court Non-Contentious Rule, making the fees reflective to the services of today's environment. The Speech from the Throne is delivered at the beginning of each new session of the House of Assembly by the Governor. It is prepared by the government on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, in whom the executive authority is vested and who is also part of the legislature. It is the vehicle used by the elected government to set out its legislative programme for the ensuing year.
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