On March 24, 2025, Honourable Sharie B. De Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, celebrated the launch of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine in the British Virgin Islands. She emphasized the collaboration between PHSU and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to enhance medical education, create economic growth, and strengthen the region's healthcare. The initiative also includes scholarships for local students, ensuring greater access to medical training and fostering the future of healthcare in the BVI.
The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs today hosted its second Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Distribution Ceremony, and awarded grants to a new and diverse group of entrepreneurs, many of whom operate within the agricultural sector. This year’s cohort reflects the diversification of the Territory’s business community and serves as reassurance to small businesses of the growing ecosystem and support being fostered by the Department of Trade.
The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) invites firms to submit proposals for Consultancy Services for Engineering Design and Construction Management of Water Mains and Civil Works for the Farmers' Reservoir at Paraquita Bay, Tortola. The procurement will follow the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) process. A site visit is scheduled for January 23, 2025, and the submission deadline is February 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The RDA reserves the right to cancel the notice without incurring costs for the firms.
The Department of Disaster Management encourages the Virgin Islands to gain experience in earthquake safety by joining ShakeOut, a global exercise taking place October 16.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched the "Business Done RIGHT" public awareness campaign to educate the community about preventing financial crime in BVI businesses. The campaign, led by the mascot Riley Right, will focus on recognizing suspicious transactions, understanding money laundering, complying with Know Your Customer requirements, and reporting suspicious activities. The initiative, overseen by the NAMLCC, aims to foster a culture of vigilance and financial integrity. Ms. Lavonna Burrows, National AML Coordinator, emphasized the shared responsibility in tackling financial crime.
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, His Majesty the King and Minister Stephen Doughty at Buckingham Palace!
Today the Department of Disaster Management launches a survey aimed at understanding the Virgin Islands community’s knowledge of, and preparedness for, emergencies and disasters.
Residents of the Virgin Islands are encouraged to download the 2025 schedule for the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System tests, which occur on the fourth Friday of each month. While no action is needed during tests, residents should use the opportunity to practice their emergency procedures at home or work. This includes reviewing shelter-in-place or evacuation plans, checking emergency supplies, and testing communication systems. For guidance on creating an emergency plan or more information, contact the Department of Disaster Management at (284) 468-4200.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports successfully concluded Education Month 2025 under the theme “Innovate. Inspire. Transform. A Reimagined Education for All.” Events across the Virgin Islands included leadership conferences, classroom initiatives, science fairs, debates, and athletic championships. The month celebrated learning, innovation, and community collaboration, highlighting the Territory’s dedication to an inclusive and forward-thinking education system.
The National Security Council (NSC) convened a special meeting this afternoon under the chairmanship of His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, in light of the prison outbreak at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut on Saturday evening during which two inmates were discovered missing namely, Jose´ Almestica and John Burgos, both U.S. Virgin Islands residents.