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The Virgin Islands Government is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to modernise how national data is collected, analysed and published, as concerns grow over outdated statistics and monitoring systems.
Speaking during debate on the Consumers Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley said government has already begun collecting more detailed import data through Customs to better track price differences between imported goods and retail costs.
“We have the data now,” Wheatley said. “We’ve been collecting that information.”
The Premier acknowledged, however, that the Central Statistics Office (CSO) needs to modernise its approach, despite continuing to collect and publish data, including the Consumer Price Index.
“The information is not always up to date. We have to work with them to get the information up to date,” he said.
Wheatley pledged support for upgrading the department’s capabilities, including greater use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency.
“That’s why we have things like AI, artificial intelligence. Some of the things we are seeking to do manually can be done very easily with AI,” he stated.
According to the Premier, government intends to work closely with the Central Statistics Office to improve data collection, analysis and reporting, with the aim of producing faster and more reliable information to guide decision-making.
“We’re going to modernise their approach to collecting data, analysing data and publishing reports,” Wheatley said.
“I’ll make that pledge," the Territory's leader assured.
Speaking during debate on the Consumers Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley said government has already begun collecting more detailed import data through Customs to better track price differences between imported goods and retail costs.
“We have the data now,” Wheatley said. “We’ve been collecting that information.”
The Premier acknowledged, however, that the Central Statistics Office (CSO) needs to modernise its approach, despite continuing to collect and publish data, including the Consumer Price Index.
“The information is not always up to date. We have to work with them to get the information up to date,” he said.
Wheatley pledged support for upgrading the department’s capabilities, including greater use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency.
“That’s why we have things like AI, artificial intelligence. Some of the things we are seeking to do manually can be done very easily with AI,” he stated.
According to the Premier, government intends to work closely with the Central Statistics Office to improve data collection, analysis and reporting, with the aim of producing faster and more reliable information to guide decision-making.
“We’re going to modernise their approach to collecting data, analysing data and publishing reports,” Wheatley said.
“I’ll make that pledge," the Territory's leader assured.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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