Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, leads a delegation to the Cayman Islands to study their business ecosystems like Cayman Enterprise City and Health City. The mission aims to learn best practices to improve the Virgin Islands’ business environment and economic diversification. The team will meet key officials and stakeholders, including government ministers and agency representatives. The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation oversees financial regulation and supports economic growth, financial inclusion, and consumer protection in the Virgin Islands.
The Department of Waste Management is advising the Virgin Gorda community that the dumpsite will be open on Sundays beginning 7 December from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. until further notice.
Manager of the Customer Service Care Centre (CSCC) Ms. Abbarah Brown was awarded the Stephanie Benn Award for Customer Service Excellence during a Customer Service Star Membership Club Pinning Ceremony.
The Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (CBRTPP) is observing its 10th anniversary; marking a decade of growth, opportunity, and Virgin Islands pride since its grand opening in 2016. Speaking at the anniversary ceremony on the park’s scenic waterfront, officials reflected on the facility’s transformative impact on the Territory’s cruise tourism sector and the enduring spirit of collaboration that made it possible. They also paid tribute to successive governments and visionary leaders who helped shape the facility’s evolution over the years.
The Department of Waste Management is urging the public to properly dispose of electronic waste due to a rise in unsafe dumping practices. Items like phones, laptops, and video game consoles often contain lithium batteries that pose fire hazards if not handled correctly. Residents are asked to take electronics to the Pockwood Pond Dumpsite or place them in a clearly separated bag beside community recycling bins. Businesses must dispose of e-waste directly at the facility. Improper dumping carries a $150 fine. The department continues to seek sustainable waste solutions and encourages the public to stay informed via its official Facebook page.
A pleasant good morning to the Press Corps and the people of the Virgin Islands. I would like to acknowledge my Honourable Colleagues and Senior Officials present. I am pleased to provide an update on my recent overseas engagements to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands, as my Government continues to bolster our economy, drive sustainable development and pursue constitutional advancement.
The Virgin Islands will host the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) 2025 Lineworkers Symposium and Rodeo for the first time next weekend. The three-day event will bring together 33 skilled utility professionals from across the Caribbean to showcase their technical abilities and safety practices. The opening ceremony, set for April 25 at Eileen Parsons Auditorium, will feature remarks from government officials and cultural performances. A March Pass and Rodeo opening ceremony will follow on Sunday. The BVI will be represented by both senior and junior teams, including past competition winners. Held under the theme “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, the event highlights the Territory’s dedication to improving infrastructure and regional collaboration.
Mr. Henry Prince has been appointed District Officer for Virgin Gorda, effective February 3, 2025. In this role, he will coordinate government activities, manage official inquiries, and oversee the Government Administration Building. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Bitter End Yacht Club, Mr. Prince holds degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Strategic Leadership, and University Teaching and Leadership. He expressed his commitment to maintaining excellence in public service and looks forward to working with the community. Mr. Prince will collaborate with other District Officers from the Sister Islands Programme.
22 October 2025 Diplomatic Leaders Honoured for Distinguished Service to the Virgin Islands (Territory Observes Diplomatic Week 2025) Twelve past and present diplomatic leaders were formally recognised during a gala ceremony held at Scrub Island Resort on Tuesday 21 October 2025, as the International Affairs Secretariat, Premier’s Office, officially launched Diplomatic Week 2025, under the theme “From Island Shores to Global Doors”.
The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre is marking one month in its new home, continuing to bring transformative change to students, families, and educators following its historic opening on October 13. The newly rebuilt facility stands as the first purpose-built special education school in the OECS, a long-awaited milestone achieved through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Recovery and Development Agency, Unite BVI, the Maples Group, TigerQi Architecture and construction partner Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. The opening ceremony, which featured contributions from Government officials, regional partners, donors, and supporters celebrated the realisation of a decades-long vision to provide exceptional learners with a modern, inclusive space tailored to their needs.