West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Redesigned to Fit Budget

The Ministry of Communications and Works has issued an update on the West End Ferry Terminal Redevelopment Project. After initial tender bids, approximately sixty-four million ($64,000,000) from a local joint venture and ninety-four million ($94,000,000) from a Canadian firm exceeded the approved budget, the Ministry paused the project with the Caribbean Development Bank’s agreement and completed a full redesign.

Proceeds from T-shirts to Benefit HLSCC Students

T-shirts for the Heroes Live Forever: The H. Lavity Stoutt Concert are on sale for $25. They can be purchased at the Premier’s Office, First Floor of the Cutlass Building, until 4:30 p.m. today, 28th February, or from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 1st March. T-shirts are also available at the HLSCC Campus Store. All proceeds will support the college’s goal of educating and giving back to its students.

Ministry of Health Warns About the Dangers of Vapes and E Cigarettes

The Virgin Islands observed No Tobacco Day on May 31, reminding residents of the dangers of all tobacco products, including vapes, cigarettes, and hookahs. Public Health Officer Renee Leonard urged smokers to quit and non-smokers to avoid starting, highlighting tobacco’s health risks. Recent updates to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 include stricter rules on smoking near minors, public buildings, and in hotel rooms, along with penalties for selling tobacco to under-18s. The Act now covers electronic cigarettes. This year’s theme is “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

Government Reinforces Commitment to Food Security Ahead of 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition

The Government of the Virgin Islands is continuing its mission to strengthen the Territory’s food sovereignty by emphasising the vital importance of the local agriculture and fisheries sectors. Under the theme, "Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies," officials are calling on all farmers and fishers to scale up production and showcase the bounty of the islands during the 2026 Agricultural Exhibition and Market, which opens early next month.

Food Handlers Urged to Obtain Food Handler’s Cards Ahead of Festival

The Environmental Health Division is offering weekly food handler certification courses in June and July to prepare for the Emancipation Festival in August. Both in-person (at ESHS) and virtual sessions are available. Certification is mandatory for all food handlers, and no extra sessions will be added, so early attendance is advised. Booth owners should also collect vending registration forms. For updates, follow the division on Facebook or contact them directly.

The Cabinet Of The Virgin Islands - Post Meeting Statement - 3rd and 9th October 2024

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands held a meeting on October 3, 2024, chaired by His Excellency, Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce, at the Premier's Conference Room. All Cabinet members were present except for the Minister for Health and Social Development, the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Attorney General, who were abroad on official business. The Solicitor General, Mrs. Jo-Ann Williams-Roberts, attended as the acting Attorney General.

VI Government Launches Medium Term Development Strategy

The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched the 2025 Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDevS) to guide the Territory’s growth, aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). This three-year strategy will focus on fiscal policies, capital projects, and development initiatives, ensuring long-term prosperity. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized that the strategy serves as a roadmap to achieve the six National Development Goals and 17 key National Outcomes. The strategy integrates ministry priorities with national development objectives and fosters economic, environmental, and social resilience. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development is leading its execution.

HLSCC Strengthens Partnerships with UK Colleges and Universities

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced that HLSCC graduates with degrees accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education can now enter directly into the third year of a bachelor’s programme at Richmond American University in London. This opportunity follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during a recent UK visit, where the minister and HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges attended the Education World Forum. Honourable de Castro highlighted the challenges posed by rising U.S. tuition costs and visa uncertainties, noting that Virgin Islanders qualify as home students in the UK, paying significantly lower tuition fees. The partnership with Richmond University, which shares the same accreditation body as HLSCC, ensures smooth credit transfers and a more affordable, efficient pathway to completing undergraduate studies abroad.

Virgin Islands Public Library Services To Be Automated

Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands Moves Toward Automation

Chief Librarian Ms. Suzanne Greenaway has announced that the Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands is moving towards automating the Anegada and Virgin Gorda community libraries. She mentioned that the automation process at the East End Library is nearly complete, with the final phase being the provision of new

Virgin Islands Set to Experience a Record Number of Summer Cruise Season Calls

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has announced a record summer cruise outlook for 2026 as confirmed bookings show fifty-two (52) cruise calls between June and October, bringing an estimated one hundred and sixty-five thousand, seven hundred (165,700) passengers to the Territory.