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Statement By Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley Minister For Health And Social Development For Child Abuse Prevention And Awareness Month And Autism Awareness Month
Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, delivered a statement marking Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and Autism Awareness Month in April 2025. Under the themes "Collective Action to Strengthen Prevention" and "Celebrate Differences," he emphasized the community’s shared responsibility to protect children from abuse and to support individuals with autism. He highlighted efforts such as the advancement of the Sexual Offences Bill, which aims to strengthen legal protections for survivors and create a Sexual Offenders Registry. The public is encouraged to wear blue on April 25 in support of child protection. Minister Wheatley also called for an inclusive society that values the unique contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum, supported through initiatives by the Social Development Department’s Disabilities Unit. The message: together, we can build a safer, more compassionate Virgin Islands for all.
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VI WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM RECEIVING FURTHER SUPPORT
A three-member team from Operators Without Borders (OWB) has returned to the Territory to support the Water and Sewerage Department in strengthening the water distribution system. This follows the Government of the Virgin Island’s declaration of water as a national critical priority.
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Government Advances Major Education, Youth and Sports Transformation Agenda for 2026
The Government of the Virgin Islands has outlined a sweeping transformation agenda for education, youth development and sports in 2026, anchored in the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro’s recent Budget Debate in the House of Assembly and reinforced in the 2026 Speech from the Throne delivered by His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce at the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
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Environmental Health Announces Recall Of Morbier Cheese
The Environmental Health Division has announced the recall of Morbier Cheese, suspected to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which has been linked to cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). The recall affects Morbier AOP 45JOURS cheese, with specific batches having the following lot numbers: 36110, 31304, and 33206. Consumers are advised to refrain from consuming the recalled products and return or dispose of them immediately. Symptoms of contamination include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Affected individuals should seek medical attention. The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring the situation and providing further updates.
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Academic Year to Launch with Professional Day and Summer Institute
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will launch the 2025–2026 academic year with Professional Day and the Summer Institute under the theme, ‘Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead: Future Focused, Student Led.’
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H. Lavity Stoutt’s 30th Memorial Observed In Concert And Wreath Laying
On March 2nd, a concert was held to honor the life of Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, the Virgin Islands' first Chief Minister. The event featured performances of his favorite songs, tributes, and video presentations reflecting on his contributions to education and development. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley made special presentations, and after the concert, H. Lavity Stoutt Day was observed on March 3rd with wreath-laying ceremonies at his gravesite. Premier Wheatley, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton, and his daughter Peggy Stoutt laid the wreaths. The celebrations emphasized Stoutt's lasting impact on the Virgin Islands.
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Statement by the Minister of Communication and Works to the House of Assembly on Upper Main Street Traffic Reconfiguration and Road Town Congestion Management Update
Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, announced traffic changes under the Upper Main Street Initiative to help reduce congestion in Road Town. Starting soon, a two-way traffic system will be introduced between the Methodist Church Burial Ground at Joe’s Hill and Main Street near Flemming Street, with no parking allowed along that stretch. The move responds to increased vehicle numbers—now nearly 19,500—and aims to ease peak-hour backups. It is part of a broader plan to modernize transport infrastructure across the Territory.
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Statement By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley Minister For Health And Social Development on the Launch Of The Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide
On June 3, 2025, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, announced the launch of the Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide and Dietary Guidelines during the Fifth Sitting of the House of Assembly. The Guide is a key part of the Territory’s strategy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease by promoting balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Built around five core food groups, it encourages the consumption of local, nutritious foods and supports national goals of food security and public health. It will serve as a standard tool in schools, healthcare, and community programmes, with further plans to introduce a protected essential food basket to make healthy options more accessible. The Minister emphasized that the Guide is not just a document but a call to action for individuals, families, and communities to build a healthier Virgin Islands.
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Request for Proposal His Majesty’s Prison Electrical Assessment
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is requesting proposals for a Comprehensive Electrical Assessment of His Majesty’s Prison, in Balsum Ghut, Tortola.
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Request for Proposals Construction of Classroom/Computer Lab at His Majesty’s Prison
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is requesting proposals for the construction of a classroom / computer lab at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, Tortola.