The Department of Waste Management is celebrating the creativity and commitment of persons who work to enhance public spaces across the Virgin Islands.
The Environmental Health Division is offering weekly food handler certification courses in June and July to prepare for the Emancipation Festival in August. Both in-person (at ESHS) and virtual sessions are available. Certification is mandatory for all food handlers, and no extra sessions will be added, so early attendance is advised. Booth owners should also collect vending registration forms. For updates, follow the division on Facebook or contact them directly.
Residents of the Virgin Islands are encouraged to love responsibly, know their status, and protect their health as the Ministry of Health and Social Development continues to encourage safe sex with its Wrap it Up Re-Loaded Valentine’s campaign.
The BVI Hong Kong Representative Office led a delegation to the Republic of India, engaging key stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to deepen financial services and regulatory dialogue between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and India. BVI-India cooperation continues to deepen across key institutional and industry channels.
On June 12, 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands signed a US$370,000 contract with Trojan Design and Development Ltd for the design and construction management of a new 12,000 sq. ft. Immigration Detention Centre. Funded through a $100 million loan facility with CIBC and led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) in partnership with the Ministry of Financial Services, the project aims to strengthen national security while upholding human rights standards. The modern facility will provide secure, humane accommodations for detainees and include medical, recreational, and operational spaces. Officials highlighted the project's importance to immigration reform and national development, with construction seen as both urgent and transformative.
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.
Today is a meaningful day in the life of our Territory. We gather to witness the signing of two important contracts that mark two significant milestones in the continued development and transformation of the Virgin Islands.
The Government of the Virgin Islands will commemorate and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the life of the late H. Lavity Stoutt on Sunday 2nd March 2025. Mr. Stoutt, who is considered as one of the Territory’s greatest visionary leaders and National Heroes, will be remembered this year under the theme, “Heroes Live Forever”. Director of Protocol and Chairperson for the Planning Committee, Mr. Kareem-Nelson Hull is encouraging persons to attend this year’s concert as the committee seeks to take a further look into the life of the late Chief Minister which will be depicted through a showcase of local talent through, song, music and dance. The concert will be held at the Atrium of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College at 6:00 p.m. under two themes: The Church Man He Was and The Country’s Man He Became. This year’s commemoration will also include a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cappoons Bay Cemetery on Monday, 3rd March. The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on 7th March, 1929. He served as an elected representative consecutively from 1957 to 1995 and was the Territory’s first Chief Minister. He is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Complex and spearheading the development of the local community college, which is named in his honour. The Government of the Virgin Islands celebrates the life of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt as a person of historic significance to the Territory every year on the first Monday in March. The day is declared a public holiday in celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the Territory’s first Chief Minister. H. Lavity Stoutt died on May 14, 1995.
The Office of the Deputy Governor announced that the public consultation on the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 will begin on March 12. The Bill proposes the creation of an independent commission to investigate human rights violations in the Virgin Islands. The consultation seeks public input on the Bill, which will establish a Human Rights Commission to receive complaints, including those against public officers or private companies. The meetings will be held on March 12 in Tortola, March 13 in Virgin Gorda, March 18 in Anegada, and March 19 in Jost Van Dyke. The public can also submit written feedback online.