On their web page, BICD states that "all required equipment is included in your course prices or fun diving packages." I'd check with them to be sure.
If you have to rent, over a period of a few weeks, the rental fees will quickly approach or exceed the cost of buying your own gear. If they offer any discount for using your own gear, consider that to be money saved off a gear purchase.
The Bay Islands have several scuba shops where you could purchase gear, but I have no idea how prices compare to Virginia. But if you are paying for several classes there, you should be able to negotiate a good price on gear with BICD.
Other options are buying locally where you are, or doing the internet/mail order routine. On this board, you can find many opinions about buying on the internet. Generally, the internet can save you a lot of money, but you must research the available options and know exactly what you want. Local dive shops have the advantage that you can try on gear for size. DO NOT size gear in a local shop and then buy online - that is rude. If you need and use the expertise of the local dive shop to get suitable gear, then buy the gear there. You are also paying for the service.
I would strongly recommend having your own gear, in any event. It is generally expected that a divemaster will own his own gear. A working divemaster is required to dive with a BCD, regulator and octopus, tank, fins, mask, snorkle, dive knife, whistle (or other emergency signalling device like a safety sausage), and any needed exposure suit. This could be rental gear, but most DM's own it all.
