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

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.

Tourism Community Meetings To Be Held In VG On Monday

The Ministry for Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development will hold a National Tourism Policy Consultation Meeting on March 17, 2025, at the Virgin Gorda Catholic Community Centre. This meeting is part of a series aimed at gathering input from stakeholders to shape the National Tourism Policy. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the importance of the consultations in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The meeting will address various tourism-related issues, and the public, including residents, tourism professionals, and environmental groups, are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.

Agreements Signed to Advance Design of HLSCC Student Dormitories

The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken a significant step toward expanding tertiary education infrastructure with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Contribution to facilitate the design of student dormitories at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

Public Officers Trained in Advanced First-Aid Course Emergency Care and Treatment (ECAT)

Law enforcement officers throughout the Public Service have strengthened their response capacity with the successful completion of the Emergency Care and Treatment (ECAT) Advanced First Aid Training Course, facilitated by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI) as part of an ongoing training programme for law enforcement and border control agencies.