Department of Information & Public Relations | Government of the Virgin Islands

The Department of Information and Public Relations also referred to as the Government Information Services (GIS), falls under the portfolio of the Premier’s Office. We are committed to providing the public with timely information on the programmes, policies, projects and activities of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

We serve as the communication link between the Government and the public to assist in creating a better understanding of its activities. Our communication goals are achieved through contacts with government ministries, the media and the general public.

The department strives to accomplish the following goals:

· A heightened awareness of Government’s policies and initiatives

· Easy public access to relevant and accurate information

· Timely and accurate dissemination of information

· Improved understanding of Government functions.

Vision

To be the preferred communications and public relations team in delivering public information for the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Mission

To position the Department of Information and Public Relations as the main source for quality work and professional advice in all areas of communications and public relations.

Mandate

To function as a strategizing body for Government’s information and communication system and offer effective and efficient services to Government ministries, departments and the BVI Community. Additionally, to function as a high quality, accurate and timely provider of Government information to the public by using all available forms of media.

Core Values

Respect - We are committed to dignity and we respect each other's opinion.

Integrity - We value a workplace culture that promotes personal and professional integrity.

Diversity - We value a workplace where diversity in all its forms is encouraged and recognised for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding and productive public service.

Accountability - We value a workplace where accountability for our actions, prudent use of resources and responsibility for our successes and failures are reflected in how we conduct ourselves.

Our Services

We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers (internal and external) by delivering an extensive range of service in convenient and accessible formats in the following areas:

Public relations, advertising and promotion in support of the communication objectives of ministries/departments;
Publications and print production including graphic designs;
Photographic services and prints of official events and functions;
Video/audio services which include a digital library for convenient and quick access to information;
On-line services via the Government's Portal.

Our Commitment To You

We are committed to respecting the rights of our customers; including:

The right to lodge a complaint;
The right to privacy and confidentiality;
The right to access services and public information in a manner which meets your needs.

What's Happening Within Our Department?

Official Funeral For Mr. Vernon Malone Is June 22	12 Jun 2024 - 11:17am
Public Notified Of Traffic Interruption On Joe’s Hill Road	4 Jun 2024 - 2:25pm
1995 Re-Enactment Highlights The Vision Of Past Leaders	28 Feb 2024 - 2:36pm
Temporary Road Closure For Funeral Procession	30 Jan 2024 - 11:55am
Sister Island Transportation For Former Legislator’s Funeral	26 Jan 2024 - 3:07pm
Flags To Be Flown At Half-Mast On February 2	26 Jan 2024 - 2:05pm
Official Funeral Announcement For Carvin Malone	26 Jan 2024 - 1:27pm
updated_official_holidays_2023_1	30 May 2023 - 2:18pm
Tenders Invited For Hodge’s Creek Road Rehabilitation	24 Feb 2023 - 3:30pm
Statement By Chief Information Officer On February 20, 2023	20 Feb 2023 - 5:00pm

View More News

Employment Opportunities Within The Department

	Closing Date
Office Generalist III Office Generalist III Responsibilities 1. Answer, screen and transfer calls appropriately, record messages and distribute them to officers to ensure a timely and adequate flow of information. 2. Perform clerical and data entry functions. 3. Update and maintain information on computer systems, databases and spreadsheets and in archives. 4. Assist in processing paperwork, gathering information and verifying data. 5. Greet and assist visitors and clients in a friendly and professional manner to facilitate effective communication and customer service. 6. Ensure that all correspondence is collected, delivered and recorded appropriately to facilitate effective information flow. 7. Assist with the filing of correspondence to keep filing up to date so that complete records are available for reference. 8. Assist with the preparation of meetings and presentation materials. 9. Assist with maintenance of minor office equipment to ensure a well-functioning work environment. 10. Provide clerical support by completing all photocopying, scanning, binding and typing in a timely manner to facilitate the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department. 11. Assist with records management, organisation and retrieval of documents. 12. Assist with dissemination of press release, bulletins and other relevant information to the media, relevant agencies and departments. 13. Assist/provide research support as required. 14. Assist with event planning and media monitoring. 15. Assist with the preparation of publications as required. 16. Assist with the uploading of information on the website. 17. Perform any other related duties as required by the Supervisor or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department. Skills and Competencies • High School Diploma or equivalent • Three (3) years working experience • Valid BVI driver’s licence (if required) • Sound knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures • Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment • Working knowledge of relevant computer software applications • Sound knowledge of general office procedures • Sound time management and organisational skills • Sound oral and written communication skills • Sound interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player • Observes departmental standards for own conduct • Manages own work effectively • Manages customer relationships • Communicates clearly and effectively • Contributes to the effective use of resources • Manages relationships with others in the team, including your manager Closing Date: 11 October 2024 Download file Apply Here	11 October 2024
Secretary II Secretary II Responsibilties 1. Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the department through administration of daily secretarial operations. 2. Answer, screen and transfer calls appropriately, record messages and distribute to officers ensuring a timely and adequate flow of information. 3. Provide frontline service to clients. 4. Administer and maintain systems and records ensuring the security of data. 5. Coordinates and attends meetings, record and report minutes as required. Assist with the verbatim transcription of tapes, recordings and dictations when required. 6. Maintain records relevant to the specific department and also keep filing up to date so that complete records are available for reference. 7. Assist with research as required. 8. Serve as Secretary on assigned committees. 9. Draft and type correspondence and proof-read various documents ensuring accuracy. 10. Prepare various reports as requested. 11. Liaise with media houses regarding broadcasts and disseminate materials are required. 12. Maintain records and inventory levels for the department ensuring supplies are in stock, liaise with local and overseas suppliers and vendors and prepare requisition ensuring accuracy. 13. Conceptualise and design graphic elements, such as lower thirds, for various productions and liaise with relevant officers to ensure that established quality and standards are met. 14. Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor or management in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department. Skills and Competencies • High School Diploma or equivalency • Three (3) years’ experience in a related field • Typing speed 45-60 wpm • Good knowledge of Government structure, policies, procedures and applicable laws • Good knowledge of the use of standard office equipment and computer applications • Sound oral and written communication skills • Sound interpersonal and organisational skills • Ability to work well under pressure • Contributes to the objective setting process and plans time effectively • Manages relationships with others in a team, including your manager • Contributes to the effective use of resources • Communicates clearly and effectively • Observes departmental standards for own conduct Closing Date: 11 October 2024 Download file Apply Here	11 October 2024
Assistant Information Officer Assistant Information Officer Responsibilties 1. Assist with editing, proofreading, organising and drafting and/or securing content intended for print or electronic publication to ensure that it meets department standards when it is submitted for design work. 2. Assist with conducting research, formulating press notices, drafting new releases and assist with the planning and implementation of public relation activities to ensure effective publicity for activities and the Government. 3. Assist with collecting, organising, updating and uploading materials for department and Government publications and websites to ensure effective information flow between departments, Government and the public. 4. Respond to local and overseas email enquiries in a timely and professional manner to ensure good customer service. 5. Assist with the production of broadcast interviews on subjects relating to the assigned ministry and department to ensure effective publicity for the Government. 6. Perform any other related duties as required by the Supervisor or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department. Skills and Competencies • Associate’s degree in Mass Communications, Liberal Arts, Computer Science or related area • One (1) year experience in Mass Communications, Public Relations or Journalism or a related area • Good knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures • Good knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures • Good oral and written communication skills • Good knowledge of the use of standard office equipment and computer applications • Good knowledge of all media equipment • Good analytical and research skills • Good interpersonal and organisational skills • Ability to work well under pressure • Manage time to meet personal objectives • Gain the trust and support of your manager • Contribute to the effective use of resources • Manage self to set an example • Maintain work activities to meet requirements including quality • Inform and advise others Closing Date: 11 October 2024 Download file Apply Here	11 October 2024
Social Media Manager Social Media Manager Responsibilites 1. Develop content for various social media platforms through graphics and videos. 2. Serve as primary advocate and driver of all social media initiatives. 3. Work closely with the graphics and production team to ensure video and image communications are of high quality. 4. Work closely with the communication team in responding to questions and comments from the public. 5. Coordinate with social media teams to distribute relevant news via blogs and social media platforms. 6. Analyze market and identify opportunities for direct information approach, using social media tools. 7. Assist in enhancing the government's reputation and expanding its online presence across social media platforms. 8. Research and analyse social media communities, trends and data and inform accordingly. 9. Monitor social media and marketing industry trends, and apply relevant insights to refine and enhance the social media marketing strategy. 10. Recommend technological upgrades to enhance the government's presence across social media platforms, and monitor online conversations to ensure critical issues are addressed promptly and professionally. 11. Perform any other related duties as required by Supervisor or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department. Skills and Competencies • Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising or related field • Three (3) to five (5) years’ working experience in a related area • Excellent knowledge of Government structure, policies and procedures • Sound knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and policies • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Sound knowledge of the use of graphic and production software. • Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment and computer applications • Excellent analytical and decision-making skills • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills • Ability to work well under pressure • Develop the trust and support of colleagues and stakeholders • Manage time effectively • Provide leadership in area of responsibility • Ensure products and services meet quality requirements • Provide information and advice to others • Plan for the use of resources • Plan for change • Minimise interpersonal conflict Closing Date: 11 October 2024 Download file Apply Here	11 October 2024