New Commercial Court and additional judge approved for the BVI

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved the establishment of a third Commercial Court under the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. The development will allow for the appointment of an additional Commercial Court judge and is an important step in increasing the BVI’s capacity to hear and determine complex commercial disputes.

The new court is expected to strengthen the efficiency of commercial dispute resolution in the region, supporting the many international businesses, financial institutions, funds and other market participants that rely on the BVI Commercial Court for the resolution of high-value and complex matters.

What has been approved?

The establishment of the new Commercial Court was approved at a Cabinet meeting held on 19 August 2026. His Excellency the Acting Governor, David Archer, Jr., chaired the meeting in the absence of Governor Daniel Pruce, who was overseas on annual leave. All members were present, except for the Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, who was on leave.

Funding and timing

Funding has been approved for the period from 2026 to 2029 to support the new court. This will enable the appointment of an additional judge, together with essential court administration staff, and allow the court to secure commercial rental space so that it can begin hearing matters in the fourth quarter of 2026.

What are the benefits?

The additional Commercial Court is expected to improve the efficiency of commercial dispute resolution by increasing judicial capacity and reducing the time taken to bring matters to hearing. For users of the court, this is a welcome development in a jurisdiction that continues to play a leading role in the resolution of cross-border, financial services, insolvency, restructuring and other complex commercial disputes.

How Ogier can help

Ogier’s BVI dispute resolution team advises on complex commercial litigation, arbitration, insolvency and restructuring matters before the BVI Commercial Court and in related proceedings. We will continue to monitor the progress of the new court and look forward to appearing before it once it commences hearing matters later this year.

About Ogier

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Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

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