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.

Government Advances Efforts to Manage Derelict Vehicles

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, announced that the Government has signed a contract with ENS Excavation and Trucking Services to remove 500 derelict vehicles from the Havers temporary holding site on Tortola. Since March, 642 vehicles have been collected for export, with loading expected to conclude by June 19. While vehicle collection will temporarily pause as a new long-term storage site is identified, notices and fines will continue. A Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee will be reintroduced on September 1, ranging from $60 to $125 based on vehicle weight. The ministry is also updating the Derelict Vehicles (Disposal) Act to better reflect current needs and enhance agency coordination. Honourable Wheatley reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to public health, environmental protection, and community appearance.

20 Achievements in Education Outlined in 2025 Territorial Address

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced a five-year strategic staffing plan that will add over 80 key positions to schools across the Virgin Islands, alongside a $2.5 million investment for critical upgrades including infrastructure repairs, safety enhancements, and new security systems. The government has also invested in modern classroom technology and teacher training to foster creativity and retain talent. Highlighting education initiatives like STEAM curriculum improvements, the Mathivated Project, and the Let’s Teach VI program, the Premier emphasized the importance of preparing future generations while honoring the Territory’s legacy, all framed within the 2025 Territorial Address theme of building a sustainable nation.

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

Concert To Be Held For 30th H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Celebration

The Government of the Virgin Islands will commemorate and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the life of the late H. Lavity Stoutt on Sunday 2nd March 2025. Mr. Stoutt, who is considered as one of the Territory’s greatest visionary leaders and National Heroes, will be remembered this year under the theme, “Heroes Live Forever”. Director of Protocol and Chairperson for the Planning Committee, Mr. Kareem-Nelson Hull is encouraging persons to attend this year’s concert as the committee seeks to take a further look into the life of the late Chief Minister which will be depicted through a showcase of local talent through, song, music and dance. The concert will be held at the Atrium of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College at 6:00 p.m. under two themes: The Church Man He Was and The Country’s Man He Became. This year’s commemoration will also include a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cappoons Bay Cemetery on Monday, 3rd March. The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on 7th March, 1929. He served as an elected representative consecutively from 1957 to 1995 and was the Territory’s first Chief Minister. He is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Complex and spearheading the development of the local community college, which is named in his honour. The Government of the Virgin Islands celebrates the life of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt as a person of historic significance to the Territory every year on the first Monday in March. The day is declared a public holiday in celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the Territory’s first Chief Minister. H. Lavity Stoutt died on May 14, 1995.

Virgin Islands Hosts Regional Nursing Leaders for High-Level CARICOM Meeting

The Ministry of Health and Social Development, successfully hosted the Fifty-Fourth Joint Meeting of the Executive and Education Committees and the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Practice Committee of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB) under the theme: “Bridging Divides, Driving Reform: Caribbean Nursing and Midwifery at the Forefront of Change.”

Multi-agency Task Force Created for Student Support and Intervention

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced the launch of two key initiatives—the Steering Group on Student Wellbeing and a multi-agency Task Force on Student Support and Intervention—to tackle rising student misconduct across the Virgin Islands. Highlighting troubling data presented to the National Security Council, the minister outlined a comprehensive Framework for Student Support and Wellbeing, which includes expanded counselling, social-emotional learning, teacher training, and alternative education options. School-level efforts such as the Student Behaviour Committee at Bregado Flax Educational Centre and the BEAM Programme at Elmore Stoutt High School are already making strides in supporting at-risk students. These national and community-driven interventions aim to address root causes of behavioral issues and ensure holistic student development across the Territory.

Enhancing Maritime Safety – Highlighted at North Sound Summit

Enhancing Maritime Safety – Highlighted at North Sound Summit Chief Marine Accident Investigator of the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), Mr. Jerome Padmore, continues to spotlight the Territory’s growing need for strengthened maritime safety measures.

Jeremy Hodge Seconded To RDA As Manager For Project Planning And Management

The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) is pleased to announce the secondment of Mr. Jeremy Hodge to the position of Manager – Project Planning and Management, effective Wednesday, 1st October, 2025.