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Visible White Plume In Road Town Assessed
On 26th February, the Environmental Health Division, at the request of the Ministry of Communications and Works, assessed the visible white plume from the Norwegian Epic. Measurements for carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide were taken to ensure air quality was not compromised. All readings were within normal ranges, ensuring safety. The plume was identified as water vapor from the ship's Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), which reduces sulfur oxide emissions to meet international standards. The ship's Environmental Officer cooperated fully, providing necessary documentation. It was recommended that the ship switch to low-sulfur fuel while at berth, and the officer agreed to consider this on future visits. The Ministry continues its commitment to maintaining reliable infrastructure and a healthy environment.
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Premier Wheatley's Remarks at Tropical Shipping Disaster Management Workshop
I recognise the protocols already established. Good morning. I am pleased to join you for this very important Private-Public Sector Disaster Management Workshop, and I extend warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands to all of you who are visiting with us. I also wish to acknowledge our hosts, Tropical Shipping, and collaborative partners – the BVI Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) - for bringing together this initiative for the benefit of the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region.
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Opening of the Law Year 2025
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.
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VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event
The Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, held a Down Syndrome Awareness event at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. The event, themed "Improve Our Support Systems," included a motorcade and sports day to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome. Director of Disability Services, Crystal Estridge, highlighted the enthusiastic participation of individuals in games, promoting inclusivity and equal participation. The Ministry of Health and Social Development thanked all contributors and reaffirmed its commitment to improving disability services and fostering an inclusive society.
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Educators in the Virgin Islands Complete Training for Digital OECS Harmonised Primary Curriculum
Educators in the Virgin Islands have completed an intensive week of training on the new digital OECS Harmonised Primary Curriculum, an initiative set to transform teaching and learning across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The curriculum, developed under the OECS PEARL Project (Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning), spans Kindergarten through Grade 6 and covers all four core subject areas. The initiative represents a unified regional effort to modernize classroom instruction, strengthen student engagement, and provide teachers with digital tools that enhance their effectiveness.
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TRC Participates in CANTO 2025 in The Bahamas
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (Commission) is pleased to share that it participated in the 40th Annual CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition, held from July 12 to 17, 2025, in Nassau, The Bahamas.
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25 Submissions Received For Road Town Partnership National Monument Design Competition
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) confirms that 25 submissions have been received for the Road Town Partnership National Monument Design Competition, which officially closed this weekend.
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Remarks by Premier Wheatley at Constitution Negotiation Committee Public Engagement on Tortola
Good evening everyone. Let me recognise the protocol which has already been established. It is an honour and a privilege to lead a team of such powerful and esteemed individuals, all committed to the task of advancing the interest of the people of The Virgin Islands through the process of codifying our rights and responsibilities and the structure of our governance in a modern Constitution.
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Office of Gender Affairs Leads Food Donation Initiative to Support Single Parents on International Women’s Day
In honor of International Women’s Day, the Office of Gender Affairs, in collaboration with public and social agencies, donated groceries to support single parents in need. The initiative aimed to alleviate food insecurity while promoting gender equality and community empowerment. Seven single parents received food baskets, with the initiative focusing on vulnerable families. The event aligns with the 2025 theme, "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment." The Gender Affairs Coordinator emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable members of the community, with plans to expand the initiative. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the global celebration of International Women’s Day.
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Investigation Following Marine Accident on May 25
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) in the Premier’s Office has confirmed that a single-boat accident occurred on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Leverick Bay Marina, Virgin Gorda. The centre console powerboat Anadanto capsized, injuring all six people onboard. Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator Jerome Padmore stated that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the accident’s circumstances. The investigation aims to improve maritime safety and prevent future incidents and will not assign blame or liability. A public safety report will be released when appropriate.