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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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Concert To Be Held For 30th H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Celebration
The Government of the Virgin Islands will commemorate and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the life of the late H. Lavity Stoutt on Sunday 2nd March 2025. Mr. Stoutt, who is considered as one of the Territory’s greatest visionary leaders and National Heroes, will be remembered this year under the theme, “Heroes Live Forever”. Director of Protocol and Chairperson for the Planning Committee, Mr. Kareem-Nelson Hull is encouraging persons to attend this year’s concert as the committee seeks to take a further look into the life of the late Chief Minister which will be depicted through a showcase of local talent through, song, music and dance. The concert will be held at the Atrium of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College at 6:00 p.m. under two themes: The Church Man He Was and The Country’s Man He Became. This year’s commemoration will also include a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cappoons Bay Cemetery on Monday, 3rd March. The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on 7th March, 1929. He served as an elected representative consecutively from 1957 to 1995 and was the Territory’s first Chief Minister. He is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Complex and spearheading the development of the local community college, which is named in his honour. The Government of the Virgin Islands celebrates the life of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt as a person of historic significance to the Territory every year on the first Monday in March. The day is declared a public holiday in celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the Territory’s first Chief Minister. H. Lavity Stoutt died on May 14, 1995.
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Non-Stop Carnival at Sea: UberSoca Cruise Makes Historic First Stop in the Virgin Islands
Non-Stop Carnival at Sea: UberSoca Cruise Makes Historic First Stop in the Virgin Islands The Premier and Minister of Tourism, Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, has announced that the world's largest Caribbean music festival at sea — UberSoca Cruise — will make its inaugural call to the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, docking at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in Road Town, Tortola.
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Eight Schools to Showcase Strategy and Skill at 2025 Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will host its annual Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament on December 12th and 13th at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, bringing together young thinkers from across the Territory for two days of competition, strategy, and academic enrichment.
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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.