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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.
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Public Notice: Cruising Permits for Charter Boats
Customs Department Extends CRVL Processing Deadline The Department of H.M. Customs advises the boating and charter industry that an additional fifteen (15) days has been granted for the processing of CRVL applications submitted prior to 31st October 2025. The new deadline for submission and processing is 15th December 2025. By 30th November 2025, all CRVL applications are expected to be processed, and thereafter boaters will be required to present their CRVLs to proceed with charter operations. The Department thanks the boating community for their cooperation and understanding during this transition.
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Updated - Payment Requirement for New Work Permit Applications
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development advises all employers that payment is now required upon approval of new work permit notifications. Payments must be made at the Department’s office before Immigration Clearance is issued for an applicant’s entry into the Virgin Islands. Appointments can be scheduled online at https://appointments.gov.vg or by calling 468-3701. For more information, contact the Department of Labour at 468-4707 or 468-4708.
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West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Redesigned to Fit Budget
The Ministry of Communications and Works has issued an update on the West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Project. After initial tender bids, approximately sixty-four million ($64,000,000) from a local joint venture and ninety-four million ($94,000,000) from a Canadian firm exceeded the approved budget, the Ministry paused the project with the Caribbean Development Bank’s agreement and completed a full redesign.
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Proceeds from T-shirts to Benefit HLSCC Students
T-shirts for the Heroes Live Forever: The H. Lavity Stoutt Concert are on sale for $25. They can be purchased at the Premier’s Office, First Floor of the Cutlass Building, until 4:30 p.m. today, 28th February, or from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 1st March. T-shirts are also available at the HLSCC Campus Store. All proceeds will support the college’s goal of educating and giving back to its students.
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Ministry of Health Warns About the Dangers of Vapes and E Cigarettes
The Virgin Islands observed No Tobacco Day on May 31, reminding residents of the dangers of all tobacco products, including vapes, cigarettes, and hookahs. Public Health Officer Renee Leonard urged smokers to quit and non-smokers to avoid starting, highlighting tobacco’s health risks. Recent updates to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 include stricter rules on smoking near minors, public buildings, and in hotel rooms, along with penalties for selling tobacco to under-18s. The Act now covers electronic cigarettes. This year’s theme is “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.