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Remarks By Honourable Vincent Wheatley Minister For Health And Social Development For Vaccination Week In The Americas 2025
Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, officially launched Vaccination Week in the Americas 2025, emphasizing the theme “Your Decision Makes a Difference: Immunisation for All.” He highlighted the critical role of vaccines in protecting public health, preventing diseases like measles, and safeguarding vulnerable groups such as children, expectant mothers, and the elderly. He addressed the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, urging the public to trust in vaccines and encouraging pregnant women and healthcare workers to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. The government is committed to maintaining high vaccination coverage and supporting health systems in disease detection and response. The week-long campaign, coordinated by the BVI Health Services Authority and PAHO, includes community outreach and educational activities to promote immunisation.
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Speaker of the House Announces Inaugural Newsletter
The Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Corine George Massicote, today announced the launch of the inaugural newsletter, ‘House Matters’. The launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of the restoration of legislation in the Virgin Islands. ‘House Matters’, the name chosen by the Speaker, will provide residents with regular updates on legislative activities, regional and international engagement, and the standards that guide the work of the House.
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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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Remarks by Premier Wheatley at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market
Ladies and gentlemen, farmers and fishers, exhibitors, students, and all who continue to nourish this territory with your hands, your knowledge, and your dedication – good afternoon. It is a pleasure to join you for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market. This year’s theme, “Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies,” speaks directly to who we are as Virgin Islanders. It reminds us that the work of producing food is not only an economic activity – it is a cultural inheritance, a source of pride, and a foundation for our resilience as a people.
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Statement by Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley - Senior Citizens’ Month 2026 Opening and Declaration Ceremony
Pleasant Virgin Islands morning to everyone. I am Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development. It’s truly a pleasure to be here with you today. I have to say, standing in front of a group with this much life experience is a little intimidating. After all, you’ve seen trends come and go… and come back again! Some of you probably look at what’s “new” today and think, “We already did that… just with better music.” Jokes aside, what I see in this room is something incredibly special. I see strength, I see resilience, I see people who have lived through moments that shaped the world—and still found ways to laugh, love, and keep going.
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Statement By Attorney General Honourable Dawn J. Smith Improving Access To Laws Of The Virgin Islands
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.
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Honourable Rymer Updates VI Post Hurricane Erin
Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has addressed the challenges and accomplishments with regard to the Territory’s utilities following the passage of Hurricane Erin last weekend.
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Cabinet Declares Water Infrastructure a National Critical Priority
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, announced that the Virgin Islands Cabinet has declared water infrastructure a National Critical Priority due to long-standing shortages affecting multiple communities. He acknowledged the decades-old issue of water loss from aging pipes and leaks and apologized for the hardships faced by residents. The government has committed to six key action areas—funding, coordination, reliability, quality, community engagement, and accountability—through the Water Optimisation Strategic Plan. Volunteer engineers from Operators Without Borders are on the ground assisting with assessments and repairs, while local talent is being empowered to support long-term solutions.
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Waste Management Inviting Tenders for Heavy Equipment Rentals
The Government of the Virgin Islands is inviting tenders for the rental and operation of heavy equipment at the Pockwood Pond and Virgin Gorda dumpsites. Contractors must provide equipment listed in the Schedule of Requirements, operated for a minimum of 8 hours daily, with immediate replacement in case of breakdowns. Tenderers must submit proof of equipment ownership and trained personnel based in the BVI, details of relevant experience, valid certificates of good standing, and a 2025 trade license if applicable. All tender prices must be in US dollars. Two copies of proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope labeled “Heavy Equipment at the Pockwood Pond Dumpsite” by 4:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025, to the Department of Waste Management, Union Property Building.
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Community Centres Across the Territory Available for Public Use
Several community centres in the Virgin Islands, including Long Trench, Emile Dunlop (Anegada), and Christiana Gertrude Warner (Purcell Estate), are now open for approved public use such as meetings, weddings, and workshops. The Ministry of Health and Social Development is finalising arrangements for the full reopening of additional centres, with some facilities like West End and Valerie O. Thomas centres offering limited access. All bookings must be made through the Social Development Department and follow specific guidelines. The ministry thanks the public for their cooperation as it continues to enhance community support and well-being.