National Security 

Safety and security

Although the crime rate is very low, we advise that visitors and residents should take sensible precautions against petty crime.  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use hotel safety deposit facilities to safeguard valuables and travel documents.  Never leave anything valuable unattended on the beach.  Although there is a low threat from terrorism in the BVI, there is a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those, frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  We advise everyone to read the Security and General Tips & Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas pages on the FCO website for further information and advice.

Threats

The success of the Financial Services sector brings with it prosperity but also exposes us to new threats: money laundering, fraud and terrorist financing.  The success of our yachting industry brings an increase in marine traffic, and the challenge of distinguishing between legitimate craft and those smuggling drugs, weapons and people.  

Problems associated with drug trafficking are potentially the most serious threat to stability in the BVI. The territory is a target because of its numerous small uninhabited islands and close proximity to the USVI and Puerto Rico, which serve as gateways to the US mainland. Co-ordinated action within the territory is essential and we continue to develop new strategies of dealing with existing and new forms of criminality.  

The BVI has a full Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the US and enjoys close co-operation with US law enforcement agencies. The development and nurturing of relations with regional law enforcement bodies is key to the National Security of the BVI and as such the BVI also co-operates with the following:
Caribbean Law Enforcement Intelligence Council (CLEIC)
Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC)
Interpol
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)
Joint Intelligence Office (JIO)
Contacts are also maintained with law enforcement agencies in St Maartin and Anguilla.  

National Security Council

Following the revise in the BVI Constitution in 2007, a National Security Council was established, made up of the Governor, Premier, Deputy Premier, Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police.  The Cabinet Secretary acts as Secretary.  The National Security Council meets once a week and advises the Governor on matters relating to internal security and the Governor acts in accordance with the advice of the Council, unless he considers that it would adversely affect Her Majesty’s interest.

Atlantic Patrol Taskforce North

Subject to more urgent operational tasking, every effort is made to have a Royal Navy warship and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker deployed to the Caribbean throughout the year, but specifically from May to November to cover the hurricane season. For the 2008 Hurricane season, RFA Wave Ruler (a Tanker) will be in the region from mid May and HMS Iron Duke (a Type 23 Frigate) from mid June.  Both will remain until mid November.

The roles of the RN/RFA are defined by the UK’s Ministry of Defence’s responsibility for the security of the UK’s Overseas Territories.  In the Caribbean, this includes responding to humanitarian or natural disasters in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories to save life and restore essential services.  This support, often referred to as a “Blue Light” role, is to provide early first aid relief prior to the arrival of other humanitarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and to assist the local government in the short term. The ships are also integrated into a multi-national force conducting Counter Drugs operations in the region. During her time on operations Iron Duke is complemented with members of the US Coast Guard who will support the Counter Drugs effort.

RFA Wave Ruler, while deployed to the Caribbean, will always carry the large Emergency Relief Stores Kit.  HMS Iron Duke carries a smaller version. All warships deploy to the Caribbean with at least one helicopter.