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2025-2056 School Year – Full STEAM Ahead: Future Focused, Student Centered Professional Day 2025 — “Change is the Currency” By Honourable Sharie de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports
Three years ago, when we began this journey, I encouraged you to give more, to get change.
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Recovery and Development Agency Advances Key Procurement Activities to Strengthen Health and Infrastructure Systems
Friday, 16th January – The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) today advanced the delivery of critical upgrades to the Territory’s healthcare infrastructure with a Bidder’s Conference and Site Visit for the Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ Lobby Renovations at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
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Show And Tell Marriages, Living In Hell’ To Launch Next Week
Author Mrs. Venoria Todman will launch her new book, Show and Tell Marriages, Living in Hell, on March 26 at Village Cay Marina. The book explores the emotional challenges in modern marriages. The Virgin Islands Department of Culture supports local authors and encourages the community to attend the event and engage with Mrs. Todman.
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Statement By Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley On the Occasion of the Visit to the United Kingdom to meet with Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty
Thank you for the opportunity to share this update on my bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Hon. Stephen Doughty that took place last week in London, as well as other meetings in the UK Parliament.
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VISTS and ESHS to Compete for Debate Championship Title
The Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) and Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) have advanced to the final round of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debate after winning their semi-final matches on February 26. VISTS defeated St. George’s Secondary School (SGSS) in the first semi-final, debating the moot "Year-Round Tourism: Is it Achievable and Sustainable?" VISTS argued in favor, presenting data on year-round tourism, while SGSS opposed, citing infrastructure concerns and the need for downtime. In the second semi-final, ESHS won against Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) on the moot "Mental Health Services Should Be Mandated in All Educational Institutions in the Virgin Islands." ESHS opposed the moot, arguing it would strain the education budget and citing existing services as sufficient, while BFEC argued for mandatory mental health support for students. Both teams received feedback from adjudicators and will compete in the final debate on March 12 for the title of Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Champion.
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Department of Immigration to Host Office Hours in Anegada and Jost Van Dyke
The Department of Immigration will hold office hours on Anegada on 21st February 2025 and on Jost Van Dyke on 28th February 2025. These sessions will address Residence and Belonger Status interviews, permit extensions, and other queries. Appointments can be made by emailing the department by 19th February for Anegada and by 26th February for Jost Van Dyke.
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VI WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM RECEIVING FURTHER SUPPORT
A three-member team from Operators Without Borders (OWB) has returned to the Territory to support the Water and Sewerage Department in strengthening the water distribution system. This follows the Government of the Virgin Island’s declaration of water as a national critical priority.
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VI and Cayman Islands Strengthen Ties Through Strategic Education
Senior officials from the Virgin Islands Ministry of Education, led by Minister Hon. Sharie de Castro, visited the Cayman Islands from April 1–4 for an educational exchange. The delegation engaged in strategic meetings, school visits, and policy discussions with Cayman Islands counterparts to strengthen regional collaboration in areas such as early childhood education, special education, TVET, and curriculum development. The visit also explored future partnerships with the University College of the Cayman Islands and workforce readiness programs. Next steps include adapting best practices and formalizing areas of collaboration.
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Celebrating 75 years of the Virgin Islands Legislature
Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Virgin Islands Legislature: Completely FREE! Under the theme: "Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: The Virgin Islands’ 75-Year Journey Toward Self-Determination."
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Visible White Plume In Road Town Assessed
On 26th February, the Environmental Health Division, at the request of the Ministry of Communications and Works, assessed the visible white plume from the Norwegian Epic. Measurements for carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide were taken to ensure air quality was not compromised. All readings were within normal ranges, ensuring safety. The plume was identified as water vapor from the ship's Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), which reduces sulfur oxide emissions to meet international standards. The ship's Environmental Officer cooperated fully, providing necessary documentation. It was recommended that the ship switch to low-sulfur fuel while at berth, and the officer agreed to consider this on future visits. The Ministry continues its commitment to maintaining reliable infrastructure and a healthy environment.