The Ministry of Health and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing health, social protection, justice, and environmental sustainability as it presented its 2025 progress report and strategic outlook for 2026.
….A pleasant Good Morning to you all. Today we gather on the beautiful island of Anegada, the land of my ancestors, to celebrate a truly historic milestone for our Territory and for the wider Caribbean.
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn has said that Hurricane Erin’s close pass is a reminder that the busiest period of the Atlantic Hurricane Season is now underway.
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI) currently holds fifteen standard loans with four creditors: three domestic (CIBC Caribbean, Republic Bank, and the Social Security Board) and one external (Caribbean Development Bank). Domestic debt totals $71.77 million (47.1% of total debt), while external debt with CDB accounts for $80.49 million (52.9%). Most of the debt (79.2%, or $120.62 million) carries floating interest rates, primarily with SSB, CIBC, and CDB, while the remaining 20.8% ($31.64 million) is fixed-rate debt held across all creditors.
The Zonta Club of Tortola proudly held a symbolic pinning ceremony with members of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, in support of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The public is informed that free transportation will be available for residents in the East End and Paraquita Bay/Hodge's Creek areas during the temporary road closure in Hodge's Creek. From June 11 to June 25, Lebo Taxi Services (TX-774) will operate three weekday round trips via Ridge Road, with pick-up and drop-off points near Fine Foods Supermarket, Fat Hogs Bay, and HLSCC, Paraquita Bay. The daily schedule is 8:45 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:30 PM, all starting from Fine Foods.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley reaffirmed the Virgin Islands’ commitment to sustainable energy at the CARILEC 2025 Symposium and Lineworkers Rodeo, highlighting the near-completion of a solar project that will power Anegada with 90% solar energy. He noted government incentives for solar adoption and local training initiatives. Minister Kye Rymer emphasized the importance of resilient energy infrastructure for sustainable development. The event, themed “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, included expert discussions, safety training, and a rodeo competition, with Antigua Public Utilities Authority winning and Team BVIEC earning five awards.
The Office of the Deputy Governor advises that Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for 2026, acting in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 199), as amended.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has temporarily suspended new applications for work permit exemptions under Minister’s Discretion, effective immediately. Renewal applications will still be accepted. The Ministry is developing guidelines for eligibility under this category. Applications can still be submitted under "By Marriage" or "By Education" categories. New applications under Minister’s Discretion will be on hold. For more information, contact the Ministry at 468-2112.
A significant milestone in regional cooperation and partnership will be achieved for The Virgin Islands when Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, attends the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in St Kitts and Nevis, 24 – 27 February 2026.