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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.
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RISA BVI & South Square Conference 2025– Jurisdiction Update
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, addressed the RISA BVI & South Square Conference highlighting the Virgin Islands’ ongoing efforts to address its placement on the FATF grey list by strengthening anti-money laundering measures and regulatory frameworks, with a goal to be removed within two years. She emphasized the importance of the financial services sector to the economy and the government’s support for diversification, particularly in fintech and emerging areas like climate finance. Smith reaffirmed the BVI’s commitment to good governance, innovation, and strong partnerships with the private sector and international regulators to ensure continued growth and resilience.
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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.
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Statement By Premier And Minister Of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley On The Occasion Of The Press Briefing On Regional And International Affairs
A pleasant good morning to the Press Corps and the people of the Virgin Islands. I would like to acknowledge my Honourable Colleagues and Senior Officials present. I am pleased to provide an update on my recent overseas engagements to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands, as my Government continues to bolster our economy, drive sustainable development and pursue constitutional advancement.
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Keynote Address by the Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley At the Caribbean Postal Union and Universal Postal Union Workshop 2025
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley delivered a keynote address at the Caribbean Postal Union and Universal Postal Union Workshop 2025, emphasizing the vital role of postal services in the Caribbean and the challenges posed by digital advancements and the e-commerce boom. He highlighted the history of the BVI's postal services and the importance of adapting to new technologies like AI and blockchain to stay relevant. Dr. Wheatley stressed the need for collaboration across Caribbean nations, innovation in postal services, and investment in workforce development to meet the growing demands of the digital economy. He concluded with optimism about the future of postal services in the region.
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Remarks by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro - Education Month 2026 Opening Address
Today, as we launch Education Month 2026, we affirm a truth that every great nation in history has understood: that the true wealth of a country is not found in its bank accounts, but in its classrooms. Not in its buildings, but in its people. And people are built through education.