On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, it is my privilege to welcome you to our shores for this year’s Overseas Territories Attorneys General Conference. We are honoured to host you, and we extend a particularly warm Virgin Islands welcome to those who have travelled to be with us in person. We hope that, even with the important work ahead, your visit will not be all business. You are, after all, in one of the premier tourist destinations in the hemisphere, and we trust you will find a moment to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of these islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has reported a rise in STI cases in the Territory and is urging the community to practice safe love, use protection, and get tested, especially ahead of Valentine’s Day. Public Health Officer Ms. Renee Leonard emphasized the importance of STI awareness and testing through a week-long initiative. The Ministry has partnered with Eureka Medical and Sapphire Health to offer special Valentine’s Day testing deals. The campaign includes informational materials such as newsletters, brochures, and radio ads to promote sexual health responsibility.
The Attorney General’s Chambers has completed the first phase of the Law Revision and Accessibility of Laws Project, aimed at ensuring the laws of the Virgin Islands are current and easily accessible. This phase involved the revision of approximately 90 Acts and their subsidiary legislation, resulting in an Interim Revised Edition effective 1 January 2023, now available online. The second phase is underway, revising 101 Acts and introducing a new online platform. A third phase, set for 2025, will revise all remaining laws. The public is encouraged to visit laws.gov.vg to access the laws.
The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) of the British Virgin Islands, established to lead post-Hurricane Irma recovery efforts, is inviting qualified tenderers to bid for the removal and disposal of derelict vessels at Sea Cows Bay Harbour, Tortola. The procurement will follow the National Competitive Bidding process, with full tender documents available upon request via procurement@bvirecovery.vg (subject: RDA/ITT/2025/003/NCB). A Bidder’s Conference and Site Visit is scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sea Cows Bay Harbour. Tender submissions must be received by 10:00 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025. The RDA reserves the right to accept or reject any submission and to cancel the tender process wholly or partly without incurring any costs to tenderers.
The first baby born on Valentine’s Day at the D. Orlando Smith Hospital received a Breastfeeding Support Basket to promote maternal and infant health through breastfeeding. Chief Nursing Officer Ms. Jascinth Hannibal highlighted breastfeeding's importance for improving health, with the Ministry of Health prioritizing it as a key public health initiative. The basket, delivered by Ms. Hannibal and Ms. Kimberly Herbert of Helping Hands Org., included a breast pump, a breastfeeding booklet, and other resources. Ms. Ashley Barker, the mother, plans to exclusively breastfeed. The Ministry of Health aims to continue advocating for breastfeeding through education, resources, and community support. For more information, contact the ministry at 468-2275.
The Department of Waste Management is requesting quotations for security fencing at the Old Derelict Vehicle Storage Site, Sea Cows Bay, Tortola. The fencing will include 220 feet of chain link wire, galvanized metal posts, a height of six feet, and a 16-foot wide double gate. Interested companies must submit their bids with required documents, including a quotation, certificate of good standing, valid trade license, proof of equipment ownership, and company experience with referrals. Bids will be evaluated on price, access to equipment, and experience. A site visit is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 4, 2025. The deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on March 14, 2025. All quotations must be hand-delivered to the Department of Waste Management Office. For queries, contact the Director at 284-468-4934.
The Department of Waste Management is inviting quotations for the supply and installation of eleven (11) solar-powered weatherproof outdoor IP security cameras and three (3) indoor IP cameras to be installed at the Pockwood Pond Incinerator, Waste Oil Facility (Sea Cow’s Bay), and The Valley Dumpsite in Virgin Gorda. Cameras must have one-year maintenance, Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity, 2K video quality, MP4 capture format, solar power for outdoor units, night vision, and internal memory storage. Interested businesses must submit duplicate sealed quotations with company name and reference, including product specs, photos, and certificates of good standing from tax, social security, and health authorities, plus a valid 2025 trade license. Mandatory site visits are scheduled for Virgin Gorda on July 7 at noon, and for Sea Cow’s Bay and Pockwood Pond on July 8 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. respectively. Quotations must be hand-delivered by July 17, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to the Department’s office at Union Property Building, Tortola. For inquiries, contact Director Marcus Solomon at 284-468-4934.
Ministry of Financial Services Seeks Catering Service
The Virgin Islands is observing Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week from May 12–16 under the theme “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction.” Residents are urged to eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The Environmental Health Division emphasizes community involvement in mosquito control and will host educational activities, including an art and poetry competition and outreach events, to promote public awareness and action.
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is marking the commencement of the New Law Year with a Ceremonial Opening under the theme, “Accessibility and Awareness - The ECSC Bridging the Gap Through Community Engagement.” The event, hosted by Saint Lucia, includes a church service at the Road Town Methodist Church in Tortola and a Special Sitting at the High Court in Tortola. The Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Mario Michel, will deliver the feature address live from Saint Lucia. The event will be streamed live across various platforms. The ECSC, established in 1967, serves the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and has unlimited jurisdiction in its Member States and Territories. For more information, visit the ECSC website or call 758-457-3600.