The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will launch the 2025–2026 academic year with Professional Day and the Summer Institute under the theme, ‘Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead: Future Focused, Student Led.’
On March 2nd, a concert was held to honor the life of Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, the Virgin Islands' first Chief Minister. The event featured performances of his favorite songs, tributes, and video presentations reflecting on his contributions to education and development. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley made special presentations, and after the concert, H. Lavity Stoutt Day was observed on March 3rd with wreath-laying ceremonies at his gravesite. Premier Wheatley, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton, and his daughter Peggy Stoutt laid the wreaths. The celebrations emphasized Stoutt's lasting impact on the Virgin Islands.
I am pleased to inform you that the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper, acting on the advice of the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, has decided to revoke the draft Order in Council that if invoked would suspend the constitution.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development led the Territory in a celebration of World Pharmacist Day 2025, shining a well-deserved spotlight on more than 27 pharmacists across the Virgin Islands.
The Environmental Health Division will be hosting two Food Handlers Training Courses for the month of December.
Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG) awarded the winners of the Prize for Water Science at the National Science Fair in recognition of World Water Day. Zara Pascoe from Cedar International School won in the Secondary Division for her project on marine pollution, while Daria Donovan and Brielle Williams from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won in the Primary Division for their project on bacterial growth in reusable water bottles. The winners toured the Paraquita Bay Water Plant and received their prizes. Minister of Education, Hon. Sharie de Castro, praised the partnership between SSWG and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the importance of STEAM education and scientific inquiry.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has successfully concluded the 2026 National Science and Innovation Fair, recognising the creativity, ingenuity and problem-solving abilities of students from schools across the Virgin Islands.
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development now requires all submitted photographs to meet passport-size standards. Individuals should use professional digital photographers. Appointments can be made at appointments.gov.vg, or by calling 468-4707 or 468-4708.
The public is advised that the Department of Human Resources is transitioning to a new location and some services may be interrupted during this period.
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development advises all employers that payment is now required upon approval of new work permit notifications. Payments must be made at the Department’s office before Immigration Clearance is issued for an applicant’s entry into the Virgin Islands. Appointments can be scheduled online at https://appointments.gov.vg or by calling 468-3701. For more information, contact the Department of Labour at 468-4707 or 468-4708.