Elmore Stoutt High School are the Winners of the 2024 Chess Tournament

The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) are the Inter-Secondary Division Chess Tournament 2024 winners in both junior and senior divisions.

Shamoy Joseph placed first, Jordan Hinds placed second, while Rayante Edwards from St. Georges’ Secondary School placed third in the Senior Secondary Division.

In the junior division, the top three students are Dimitri Fungfook of ESHS who placed first

Multi-agency Task Force Created for Student Support and Intervention

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced the launch of two key initiatives—the Steering Group on Student Wellbeing and a multi-agency Task Force on Student Support and Intervention—to tackle rising student misconduct across the Virgin Islands. Highlighting troubling data presented to the National Security Council, the minister outlined a comprehensive Framework for Student Support and Wellbeing, which includes expanded counselling, social-emotional learning, teacher training, and alternative education options. School-level efforts such as the Student Behaviour Committee at Bregado Flax Educational Centre and the BEAM Programme at Elmore Stoutt High School are already making strides in supporting at-risk students. These national and community-driven interventions aim to address root causes of behavioral issues and ensure holistic student development across the Territory.

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.

Official Statement From the Premier of the Virgin Islands In the Occasion of the Recent Protest and Public Concerns

In response to the recent protest and public concerns, the Premier of the Virgin Islands acknowledged the issues raised and thanked citizens for their respectful engagement. The administration is actively addressing many concerns through ongoing initiatives in infrastructure, public sector reform, cost of living, public safety, and social support. Updates are regularly shared via the government’s Virgin Islands Voice program. The Premier reassured the public that their concerns are heard and the government remains committed to meaningful progress for all residents.

Ministry of Environment Seeks Bids for Cleaning Services

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change (MENRCC) is inviting bids for a one-year cleaning services contract for the public restroom facility in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, starting August 1, 2025. Duties include daily cleaning and opening/closing of the facility, supplying all cleaning tools and agents. Interested parties must submit a quotation, valid licenses, certificates of good standing, and a list of similar jobs by June 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Tenders can be hand-delivered or emailed in a non-editable format. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

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.