Elections are held at intervals of not more than five years. Cruise ships call in weekly to the Islands and there are freight carriers. There are excellent telephone, telex and fax facilities. Courier services are well represented on the BVI, including DHL, DTL and Federal Express, who provide a daily world-wide service. In 1985, the Government offered offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the Islands.
Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity.
The Islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet local food requirements. The official and spoken language is English. TYPE OF LAW Common Law, based on English Common Law with local modifications and local statutes. Cannot undertake the business of banking, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, collective investment schemes, trust management, trusteeship, the rendering of investment advice or any other activity that would suggest an association with the banking or insurance industries. Cannot offer its shares for sale to the public.