Madam Speaker, I rise to address a matter of national importance: the continued sustainability of our Social Security system. Social Security is a cornerstone of social protection in our Territory. It ensures that our citizens, our workforce, and their families have access to essential benefits in times of need. We must recognise and affirm the indispensable role employers play in maintaining this system. Paying contributions is not only a statutory obligation, it is a moral commitment to the well-being of our people and the resilience of our economy.
The Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (CBRTPP) is observing its 10th anniversary; marking a decade of growth, opportunity, and Virgin Islands pride since its grand opening in 2016. Speaking at the anniversary ceremony on the park’s scenic waterfront, officials reflected on the facility’s transformative impact on the Territory’s cruise tourism sector and the enduring spirit of collaboration that made it possible. They also paid tribute to successive governments and visionary leaders who helped shape the facility’s evolution over the years.
The Department of Immigration is committed to improving accessibility, efficiency, and customer service in the Virgin Islands. Through initiatives such as the introduction of Saturday appointment services, the Department continues to modernise its operations and enhance convenience for residents and visitors. Ongoing efforts include process streamlining, digital service development, and staff training to ensure timely, reliable, and customer-focused immigration services that reflect the highest standards of integrity and excellence.
On Wednesday, 27th August, Senior Managers from across the Public Service engaged in the quarterly Sister Islands Coordination Committee Meeting, held on Anegada.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is making considerable progress towards finalising the Virgin Islands National Tourism Policy (2026-2036) and the draft is now available for public review.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has announced the commissioning of a new bulldozer at the Pockwood Pond Waste Management Facility.
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley will be away from the Virgin Islands from February 14th to 23rd for high-level meetings in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau, and Malaysia to strengthen strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser will serve as Acting Premier from February 14th to 17th, and Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer will act as Premier from February 18th to 23rd. The Premier’s delegation includes Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, and Honourable Marlon Penn. The Government aims to promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen the Virgin Islands' position as a global financial hub.
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI or the “Purchaser”) acting through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports (MEYAS) invites tenders for supplying Cleaning Supplies for Public Primary and Secondary Schools for 2025 - 2026 Academic Year, located at Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. (Hereinafter referred to as the “Goods”).
Five farmers in Paraquita Bay are now better equipped to support their agricultural operations following the distribution of five 1,000-gallon water tanks under the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Integrated Land Management (ILM) / Sustainable Land Management (SLM) programme.
The Premier of the Virgin Islands welcomed attendees to a roundtable with BVI financial services firms in Hong Kong. He emphasized the importance of Hong Kong and Mainland China to BVI's financial industry, highlighting the BVI Government's commitment to maintaining relationships and ensuring the industry’s growth. The Premier discussed recent regulatory changes, the need for collaboration, and BVI’s adherence to international standards. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the financial services industry’s viability and safeguarding clients’ security, ensuring compliance with global regulations. He expressed optimism about BVI retaining its position as Greater China’s preferred offshore financial jurisdiction by the end of 2025.