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Coordinated Response to Flamingo Pond Fish Die-Off as Sargassum Season Intensifies
Coordinated Response to Flamingo Pond Fish Die-Off as Sargassum Season Intensifies The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change (MENRCC), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and local non-profit organisation Beyond the Reef, has been actively responding to a fish die-off event observed at Flamingo Pond in Anegada.
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Government Invites Tenders for Management and Maintenance of North Sound Cemetery
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Health and Social Development, is inviting tenders from suitably qualified and reputable local companies for the management and maintenance of the North Sound Public Cemetery in Virgin Gorda.
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Virgin Islands Should Remain Vigilant After Hurricane Erin
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn has said that Hurricane Erin’s close pass is a reminder that the busiest period of the Atlantic Hurricane Season is now underway.
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HLSCC Strengthens Partnerships with UK Colleges and Universities
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced that HLSCC graduates with degrees accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education can now enter directly into the third year of a bachelor’s programme at Richmond American University in London. This opportunity follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during a recent UK visit, where the minister and HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges attended the Education World Forum. Honourable de Castro highlighted the challenges posed by rising U.S. tuition costs and visa uncertainties, noting that Virgin Islanders qualify as home students in the UK, paying significantly lower tuition fees. The partnership with Richmond University, which shares the same accreditation body as HLSCC, ensures smooth credit transfers and a more affordable, efficient pathway to completing undergraduate studies abroad.
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Premier Wheatley Highlights Extensive Consultation Behind Elections Amendment Act 2026
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, has said that the proposed Elections (Amendment) Act 2026 is the result of extensive consultation and careful review of recommendations from multiple stakeholders.
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Statement By Governor Of The British Virgin Islands Daniel Pruce On The Vetting Of Police Officers
Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Daniel Pruce, has announced two key developments aimed at strengthening the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). First, the long-anticipated vetting of all RVIPF officers—recommended by the 2022 Commission of Inquiry—will officially begin, following regulatory amendments and a signed agreement with the UK Home Office. The goal is to have a fully vetted police force by Autumn, enhancing trust and security across the Territory. Second, the recruitment process for a new Commissioner of Police has resumed, based on updated requirements outlined in a recent law enforcement review. The Governor aims to appoint a Commissioner with the expertise and leadership needed to drive transformational change in the RVIPF by Autumn. These measures mark a pivotal step in strengthening public confidence and community safety in the Virgin Islands.
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Deputy Premier attends OECS Meeting on Environmental Sustainability
Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Honourable Julian Fraser, represented the Virgin Islands at the 12th OECS Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability Meeting held in Antigua and Barbuda on April 29. As outgoing Chair, he commended the Council’s progress on the COM:ES Roadmap to 2030 and participated in a panel on sustainable financing, highlighting the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund as a model for UK Overseas Territories facing barriers to traditional climate funding. Fraser emphasized the urgent need for recognition and support, given the growing climate threats to the Territory. The Trust Fund, legally established in 2015, will be operational this year and launched at COP30. The meeting also addressed key environmental issues under the theme “Staying the Course in Perilous Times: Sustainable Transformation and Resilient Prosperity.”
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Government Enacts Public Procurement (Amendment) Regulations, 2025
The Government of the Virgin Islands has enacted the Public Procurement (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, to improve accountability and transparency in government contract awards. The amendments, gazetted on January 30, 2025, streamline procurement procedures and introduce clear guidelines for awarding contracts. Contracts valued at $25,000 or less will require requests for quotations, while those exceeding $25,000 will follow open or restricted tendering procedures. The amendments also allow restricted tenders for domestic suppliers for contracts up to $250,000. The regulations aim to modernize the procurement process, enhance efficiency, and provide more opportunities for local businesses.
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VI Government To Transform Electric Power Infrastructure
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley reaffirmed the Virgin Islands’ commitment to sustainable energy at the CARILEC 2025 Symposium and Lineworkers Rodeo, highlighting the near-completion of a solar project that will power Anegada with 90% solar energy. He noted government incentives for solar adoption and local training initiatives. Minister Kye Rymer emphasized the importance of resilient energy infrastructure for sustainable development. The event, themed “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, included expert discussions, safety training, and a rodeo competition, with Antigua Public Utilities Authority winning and Team BVIEC earning five awards.
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Statement on Incident at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut From Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall
On March 30, 2025, an incident occurred at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, where a prisoner with mental health issues attacked a prison officer. The staff responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Both the officer and inmate received medical attention and were released the same day. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with mental health in prisons. The prison has been working with the Ministry of Health and Social Development to improve safety, security, and rehabilitation efforts, including enhanced training and better equipment. The commitment to improving mental health interventions and inmate management continues.