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Remarks By Honourable Vincent Wheatley Minister For Health And Social Development For Vaccination Week In The Americas 2025
Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, officially launched Vaccination Week in the Americas 2025, emphasizing the theme “Your Decision Makes a Difference: Immunisation for All.” He highlighted the critical role of vaccines in protecting public health, preventing diseases like measles, and safeguarding vulnerable groups such as children, expectant mothers, and the elderly. He addressed the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, urging the public to trust in vaccines and encouraging pregnant women and healthcare workers to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. The government is committed to maintaining high vaccination coverage and supporting health systems in disease detection and response. The week-long campaign, coordinated by the BVI Health Services Authority and PAHO, includes community outreach and educational activities to promote immunisation.
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Premier Wheatley’s Remarks at the MOU/Deed of Contribution Signing Ceremony for HLSCC Student Dormitories
Today marks an important milestone in the ongoing development of our Virgin Islands. We gather for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), and the Recovery and Development Agency, along with the signing of the Deed of Contribution that will formally initiate the design phase for student dormitories at the HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay campus.
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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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Statement by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports on HLSCC Relationships with UK Universities & Colleges
On June 3, 2025, Minister Sharie B. de Castro provided an update on the Ministry of Education’s strategic efforts, in collaboration with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), to expand educational opportunities through partnerships with UK universities and colleges. Responding to U.S. visa uncertainties, the Ministry has prioritized UK options where Virgin Islanders benefit from reduced “home fee” tuition. Key outcomes include a new Memorandum of Understanding with Richmond American University London, allowing HLSCC graduates to enter directly into the third year of a bachelor's programme, and promising discussions with institutions like the University of Westminster, London Metropolitan University, and technical colleges. These partnerships aim to provide more affordable, relevant, and efficient pathways for higher education and workforce development.
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Statement By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley Minister For Health And Social Development Update On The Derelict Vehicle Programme
At the Fifth Sitting of the House of Assembly on June 3, 2025, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, provided an update on the Government’s efforts to manage derelict vehicles across the Virgin Islands. He reported that a total of 642 abandoned vehicles were collected from the Havers site—exceeding the initial target of 500—and are scheduled for export by June 19. While the current site will soon be cleared, a new long-term storage location is being sought in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. In the interim, collection is suspended, but removal notices and fines will continue for hazardous vehicles. To fund ongoing efforts, the Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee will be reinstated on September 1, 2025, based on vehicle weight, with a public information campaign planned. Additionally, a revised policy is being developed to modernize the outdated 2000 legislation, aiming for better inter-agency collaboration, fee collection at ports of entry, and a more sustainable, technology-driven approach to derelict vehicle management.
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Ministry of Financial Services Seeks Catering Service
Ministry of Financial Services Seeks Catering Service
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HLSCC Strengthens Partnerships with UK Colleges and Universities
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced that HLSCC graduates with degrees accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education can now enter directly into the third year of a bachelor’s programme at Richmond American University in London. This opportunity follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during a recent UK visit, where the minister and HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges attended the Education World Forum. Honourable de Castro highlighted the challenges posed by rising U.S. tuition costs and visa uncertainties, noting that Virgin Islanders qualify as home students in the UK, paying significantly lower tuition fees. The partnership with Richmond University, which shares the same accreditation body as HLSCC, ensures smooth credit transfers and a more affordable, efficient pathway to completing undergraduate studies abroad.
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Nearly 7,000 In VI Join Tsunami Exercise
The 16th Territory-wide earthquake and tsunami exercise, held on March 20, was one of the largest national exercises in the Virgin Islands, with 6,854 participants practicing earthquake and tsunami safety procedures. The exercise, led by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), simulated a magnitude 8 earthquake off the coast of Jamaica, followed by tsunami alerts. Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Jasen Penn, emphasized the importance of regular disaster preparedness and the need for businesses and public agencies to have tested disaster plans. The exercise focused on early warning systems, emergency communication, and inter-agency coordination. The Territory's participation helps maintain its Tsunami Ready status, which it first achieved in 2014.
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Government Responds to Tariffs Imposed by the United States Government
The Virgin Islands Government has raised concerns over new 10% U.S. tariffs affecting the Territory, warning of potential economic impacts. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley affirmed efforts to protect the BVI’s economy through stakeholder consultations and regional cooperation. The Government is actively engaging with industry leaders to address rising costs and safeguard consumer interests.
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Government Launched Its Online ED Card System
His Majesty’s Customs and the Department of Immigration have launched a fully online card processing system to modernize the Embarkation/Disembarkation process in the Territory. Commissioner Mr. Clinton 'Greg' Romney explained that the system combines both agencies' processes, eliminating the need for travelers to fill out duplicate forms. The new online module, introduced by CARICOM IMPACS, allows for a more efficient, green, and cost-effective system, with travelers able to complete forms up to 72 hours before travel. The goal is to expedite processing, improve service at ports of entry, and enhance border protection and national security.