Article
Statement by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports on the Approach To Addressing Serious and Extreme Student Misbehaviour
On June 3, 2025, Minister Sharie B. de Castro addressed the alarming rise in serious student misbehaviour, including drug use, violence, and inappropriate conduct in public secondary schools. In response, the Ministry of Education has launched a multi-agency effort involving health and law enforcement partners, established a Student Wellbeing Steering Group and Intervention Task Force, and developed a comprehensive support framework focusing on prevention, counselling, restorative justice, and alternative education. Schools have implemented targeted programmes like BEAM and behaviour committees, while international models from the UK are being adapted locally. The Minister called for community-wide support through trained volunteer mentors and emphasized that addressing these challenges requires collective action from schools, government, and society.
Article
Asia Trade Mission & Strained Economic Relations Between BVI And USVI
The Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) began by expressing condolences to those who have lost loved ones and emphasizing the government’s commitment to democratic accountability. He mentioned the recent trade mission to Asia, where the BVI delegation promoted the territory’s financial services in China and Malaysia. The trip reinforced the BVI’s reputation, and Malaysia’s newfound economic relations position the BVI to offer corporate structures to Malaysian clients. Financial services account for around 60% of BVI’s revenue and are crucial for funding public services. The Premier opposed calls for public registers of beneficial ownership from the UK Parliament, stressing the BVI’s capacity to regulate its own financial services. He then addressed recent tensions between the BVI and the US Virgin Islands (USVI), particularly in the marine sector, where the BVI’s fees have not kept up with the growing charter industry’s prosperity. The BVI government is modernizing its legislation to bring balance to the economic benefits from USVI-chartered vessels using BVI waters. The Premier emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the two territories. He proposed a meeting with Governor Bryan of the USVI to discuss the issue and explore further economic opportunities, particularly in tourism. He concluded by reaffirming the familial and economic ties between the BVI and USVI, expressing the desire for both sides to prosper together.
Article
Reservoir Meter Installation - A Critical Step Towards Sustainable Water Management in the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands has begun installing high-capacity water meters at 11 reservoirs as part of the Water Optimisation Programme, running from May 27 to June 25, 2025. Led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency, the project will improve water monitoring, leak detection, and resource management, helping to ensure a more efficient and sustainable water supply. The $281,412.82 contract was awarded to Control Technologies Barbados Limited. This initiative supports national goals for resilient infrastructure and reliable water access.
Article
Reservoir Meter Installation - A Critical Step Towards Sustainable Water Management in the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands has begun installing large-flow, high-capacity water meters at 11 reservoirs as part of a major step toward sustainable water management. Starting May 27, 2025, and expected to finish by June 25, 2025, these smart meters will enable the Water and Sewerage Department to precisely measure water inflows and outflows, improve contract management, forecasting, and resource allocation, and help detect leaks to minimize water loss. This initiative, overseen by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Communications and Works, is part of the broader Water Optimization Programme aimed at creating a more efficient, reliable, and resilient water infrastructure. The project supports national development goals and follows earlier efforts such as leak detection training for local plumbers. Residents are advised to monitor official channels for updates on any water service interruptions during installation.
Article
Transportation Services from June 11 to 25
The public is informed that free transportation will be available for residents in the East End and Paraquita Bay/Hodge's Creek areas during the temporary road closure in Hodge's Creek. From June 11 to June 25, Lebo Taxi Services (TX-774) will operate three weekday round trips via Ridge Road, with pick-up and drop-off points near Fine Foods Supermarket, Fat Hogs Bay, and HLSCC, Paraquita Bay. The daily schedule is 8:45 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:30 PM, all starting from Fine Foods.
Article
284 Excellence Film Festival
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission has announced the inaugural 284 Excellence Film Festival (284XFF), set for October 30 to November 2, 2025, aiming to bridge Caribbean literature and cinema. With the theme “Caribbean Literature in Motion: Caribbean Stories Reimagined,” the festival will showcase global films while spotlighting Caribbean narratives adapted for the screen. Featuring national, regional, and international competitions, as well as student and youth challenges, the event fosters creative collaboration and cultural exchange. Supported by major international film festivals and hosted in the BVI, 284XFF positions the Territory as a cinematic hub while empowering local and regional talent.
Article
Premier's Press Statement At 7 November 2025 Press Conference
Press Statement by Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance At Press Conference on 07 November 2025 1. Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) I will be leading a delegation to London from 24 to 28 November to participate in the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), a political meeting of OT Leaders, the Minister for Overseas Territories, the Right Honourable Stephen Doughty and other UK Ministers, and other respective delegations. The week will consist of a bilateral meeting with Minister Doughty, a meeting of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), of which I serve as President, the JMC itself and other meetings on matters of interest to the Virgin Islands.
Article
Remarks by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley On the occasion of the the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, delivered remarks at the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) on February 11, 2025. He emphasized the importance of protecting the Virgin Islands' natural environment, which is vital to the economy, resilience, and quality of life. He highlighted the threats to biodiversity, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, with specific mention of sand mining on Anegada and the decline of coral reefs and endangered species like the Virgin Islands Rock Iguana. The NBSAP aims to provide a clear framework for sustainable development, integrating conservation into national planning. Dr. Smith-Berkeley acknowledged the support of various partners, including the OECS, PC Consultants Ltd., Dr. Shannon Gore, and the EU’s BioSPACE Project, and called on all members of the community to take collective action for conservation.
Article
News Release No. 13 Asphalt Paving from West End to Road Town
The Government of the Virgin Islands invites tenders for asphalt paving and road markings on 9 miles of primary roads. The project includes milling, material supply, asphalt plant setup, equipment provision, and installation of road markings and studs, with the goal of achieving a 15-year lifespan for the roads.
Article
Remarks by Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley Update on Current Matters
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley provided updates on various topics in his January 2025 press conference. He honored the late Lucia Harrigan and Celcila Georges, congratulated HLSCC on its 35th anniversary, and discussed tourism growth and the launch of a National Tourism Plan. He highlighted financial services initiatives, including a consultation on beneficial ownership and upcoming trade visits to Asia. The Premier also announced his appointment as President of UKOTA and provided updates on the implementation of COI recommendations and crime prevention efforts.