Government Reinforces Commitment to Food Security Ahead of 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition

The Government of the Virgin Islands is continuing its mission to strengthen the Territory’s food sovereignty by emphasising the vital importance of the local agriculture and fisheries sectors. Under the theme, "Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies," officials are calling on all farmers and fishers to scale up production and showcase the bounty of the islands during the 2026 Agricultural Exhibition and Market, which opens early next month.

Food Handlers Urged to Obtain Food Handler’s Cards Ahead of Festival

The Environmental Health Division is offering weekly food handler certification courses in June and July to prepare for the Emancipation Festival in August. Both in-person (at ESHS) and virtual sessions are available. Certification is mandatory for all food handlers, and no extra sessions will be added, so early attendance is advised. Booth owners should also collect vending registration forms. For updates, follow the division on Facebook or contact them directly.

The Cabinet Of The Virgin Islands - Post Meeting Statement - 3rd and 9th October 2024

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands held a meeting on October 3, 2024, chaired by His Excellency, Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce, at the Premier's Conference Room. All Cabinet members were present except for the Minister for Health and Social Development, the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Attorney General, who were abroad on official business. The Solicitor General, Mrs. Jo-Ann Williams-Roberts, attended as the acting Attorney General.

Official Statement From the Premier of the Virgin Islands In the Occasion of the Recent Protest and Public Concerns

In response to the recent protest and public concerns, the Premier of the Virgin Islands acknowledged the issues raised and thanked citizens for their respectful engagement. The administration is actively addressing many concerns through ongoing initiatives in infrastructure, public sector reform, cost of living, public safety, and social support. Updates are regularly shared via the government’s Virgin Islands Voice program. The Premier reassured the public that their concerns are heard and the government remains committed to meaningful progress for all residents.

Ministry of Environment Seeks Bids for Cleaning Services

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change (MENRCC) is inviting bids for a one-year cleaning services contract for the public restroom facility in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, starting August 1, 2025. Duties include daily cleaning and opening/closing of the facility, supplying all cleaning tools and agents. Interested parties must submit a quotation, valid licenses, certificates of good standing, and a list of similar jobs by June 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Tenders can be hand-delivered or emailed in a non-editable format. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

VI Government Launches Medium Term Development Strategy

The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched the 2025 Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDevS) to guide the Territory’s growth, aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). This three-year strategy will focus on fiscal policies, capital projects, and development initiatives, ensuring long-term prosperity. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized that the strategy serves as a roadmap to achieve the six National Development Goals and 17 key National Outcomes. The strategy integrates ministry priorities with national development objectives and fosters economic, environmental, and social resilience. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development is leading its execution.

HLSCC Strengthens Partnerships with UK Colleges and Universities

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced that HLSCC graduates with degrees accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education can now enter directly into the third year of a bachelor’s programme at Richmond American University in London. This opportunity follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during a recent UK visit, where the minister and HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges attended the Education World Forum. Honourable de Castro highlighted the challenges posed by rising U.S. tuition costs and visa uncertainties, noting that Virgin Islanders qualify as home students in the UK, paying significantly lower tuition fees. The partnership with Richmond University, which shares the same accreditation body as HLSCC, ensures smooth credit transfers and a more affordable, efficient pathway to completing undergraduate studies abroad.

Virgin Islands Public Library Services To Be Automated

Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands Moves Toward Automation

Chief Librarian Ms. Suzanne Greenaway has announced that the Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands is moving towards automating the Anegada and Virgin Gorda community libraries. She mentioned that the automation process at the East End Library is nearly complete, with the final phase being the provision of new

VI Government To Create A National Tourism Policy

The inaugural Tourism Summit held on January 16-17 laid the foundation for a National Tourism Policy, to be finalized by June 2025. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized tourism's importance to the economy. Key initiatives include sustainable practices, empowering local communities, and enhancing visitor experiences. Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith stressed the role of collaboration, noting that tourism is everyone’s business. The summit celebrated the recovery of Peter Island Resort and involved over 330 stakeholders, aiming for a sustainable, inclusive tourism sector that benefits all residents. The Ministry of Tourism is committed to responsible tourism and cultural preservation.

Public Encouraged To Give Feedback On COI Reforms

Governor Daniel Pruce is inviting public feedback on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms, which will be reported to UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty MP to guide future decisions. A public survey and dedicated mailbox have been set up for this purpose, with a deadline of March 2nd. Governor Pruce encouraged the public to share their views and experiences. The survey is brief, and general comments can be emailed to bvicoi@fcdo.gov.uk. All feedback will be treated anonymously and sensitively.