The Environmental Health Division will be hosting three Food Handlers Training Courses for the month of November.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has temporarily suspended new applications for work permit exemptions under Minister’s Discretion, effective immediately. Renewal applications will still be accepted. The Ministry is developing guidelines for eligibility under this category. Applications can still be submitted under "By Marriage" or "By Education" categories. New applications under Minister’s Discretion will be on hold. For more information, contact the Ministry at 468-2112.
A significant milestone in regional cooperation and partnership will be achieved for The Virgin Islands when Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, attends the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in St Kitts and Nevis, 24 – 27 February 2026.
The public is advised that telephone lines across various government offices are currently experiencing an outage which is preventing incoming calls from being received.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer has provided an update on the progress made since the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands declared water a national critical priority.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched a public consultation on proposed measures to reduce plastic waste and strengthen recycling across the Territory.
The Environmental Health Division is advising the public of the associated dangers of the heavy accumulations of sargassum seaweed and its impact on the Territory’s water systems.
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley highlighted the Solar Technology Energy Programme (S.T.E.P.) as a key initiative for sustainable energy in the Virgin Islands. The program, led by the Ministry of Communications and Works, installs solar panels and inverters to reduce energy costs by up to 50% for participants. The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) covers all upfront costs, and customers can earn credits for excess energy sold back to the grid. Minister Kye M. Rymer emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable energy, investing $1 million in the initiative. Future phases will explore additional solar technologies.
On April 15, 2025, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) held a successful diplomatic meeting in St. Thomas to strengthen maritime collaboration. Leaders from both territories agreed on a revised charter vessel fee structure and committed to forming a joint marine task force to improve regional policy, port efficiency, and coastal protection. The BVI is advancing legislation to modernize its maritime sector through amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act. The updated charter fees reflect regional cooperation and industry feedback, supporting a sustainable and prosperous charter tourism industry.
Minister for Health Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley and health officials met to discuss the viability of the Pockword Pond incinerator. Mr. Andy Hooker, President of Pennram Diversified Manufacturing Corporation, conducted an assessment of the incinerator and will provide a report to guide decisions on improving incineration capacity in the VI. Honourable Wheatley emphasized the importance of the incinerator for waste disposal and the challenges faced due to its non-operation. The Ministry of Health is focused on improving the health of the Virgin Islands.