Managed security services in the British Virgin Islands

Security considerations in the British Virgin Islands

A program in the BVI often combines office and reception posts in Road Town, retail near the cruise pier, and marina, resort and villa posts on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Moving officers and supervisors between islands depends on ferry schedules, so relief cover is planned island by island. English is the working language, and corporate posts call for a formal front-of-house standard.

The main tourist season runs from December to April, when charter yachts and cruise calls increase. The hurricane season from June to November requires storm preparation plans and clear procedures for securing and reopening sites. Coverage plans should include relief officers, seasonal reinforcement for marina and resort posts, and coordination with building and marina management.

• Road Town
• Wickham’s Cay
• Road Town cruise pier
• Nanny Cay
• Village Cay
• Soper’s Hole
• Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
• North Sound, Virgin Gorda
• Jost Van Dyke
• Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport

How MGP delivers coverage in the British Virgin Islands

Coverage in the British Virgin Islands runs on the MGP Global Partner Program: MGP designs and manages the program, and officers are supplied by vetted local security partners and held to MGP Post Orders.

Private security regulation in the British Virgin Islands

• Under the Private Security Industry Act, 2007, a person may not provide a private security service without a licence, applications are made to the Minister, and a licence is valid for one year. Source
• A licence application must include a training programme for the applicant’s employees approved by the Commissioner of Police. Source
• A licensed provider may employ a security guard only if the person is at least eighteen, holds a police certificate of character, has passed the required drug tests and has completed a training programme approved by the Commissioner of Police. Source

Locations in the British Virgin Islands

• Road Town
• East End
• West End
• Spanish Town
• Great Harbour
• The Settlement

Coverage on other islands and at private event sites is arranged on request.

Frequently asked questions

Does MGP hold its own security licence in the British Virgin Islands?

No. MGP does not hold its own security licence in the British Virgin Islands. Officers are employed by vetted BVI security companies that hold the required licences, and MGP manages the program, its standards and its reporting.

What languages do officers speak?

All officers speak English. For corporate, marina and resort posts, the required service standard and any additional language needs are set in the Post Orders for each site.

See the Caribbean overview for other countries and territories.