Earthquake safety took centre stage as schools, workplaces and families across the Virgin Islands took part in the global ShakeOut exercise October 16.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is inviting tenders for the supply and installation of six (6) air conditioning units at the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School in Baugher’s Bay, Tortola.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is inviting qualified and reputable local contractors to submit tenders for the management and maintenance of the North Sound Public Cemetery on Virgin Gorda.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, is leading a local delegation to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands of the United States this weekend to participate in the 51st USVI/BVI Friendship Day activities.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has secured agreement with the United Kingdom to commence formal constitutional negotiations in the first quarter of 2026, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley announced during his government’s press conference on Friday.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is highlighting another positive outcome of the Road Town Partnership Programme, a public-private partnership initiative established to enhance the appearance, functionality, and safety of the capital.
Premier and Minister of Finance of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has described his participation in the recent political caucus of Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as both necessary and encouraging, given the pace of current regional and international developments.
The Premier addresses the economic challenges the Virgin Islands faces due to global turbulence, particularly impacting the Caribbean. He announces changes to the Government to strengthen the response to these challenges. The Honourable Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE, will return to the Government as Minister of State for Financial Services and Economic Development, responsible for financial services, economic diversification, investment, trade, and climate finance. The Honourable Karl Dawson will step down as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries but will continue to support the Premier in these areas and be nominated as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has re-established the Financial Services Appeal Board (FSAB) to promote transparency and fairness in the financial services sector. The FSAB, responsible for handling appeals related to the Financial Services Commission’s decisions, has appointed new members, including Ms. Arabella Di Iorio as Chairman, Mrs. Hazel-Ann Hannaway Boreland as Deputy Chairman, and Ms. Brittney Smith as a member. Ms. Rennea A. Powell has been appointed Secretary to the Board. The government is also seeking to fill four additional positions. The FSAB aims to ensure a well-regulated financial services sector. For inquiries, contact Ms. Powell at (284) 468-2009 or rpowell@gov.vg.
Minister Vincent O. Wheatley officially opened Senior Citizen’s Month 2025, celebrating the theme “Flip the Script on Aging”. He urged the public to embrace aging as a time of wisdom and value, not decline. He honoured the Territory’s eight centenarians and praised seniors for their contributions to society. Key announcements included an increase in the centenarian grant (from $5,000 to $10,000) and a raise in monthly public assistance grants for seniors to $506.25. The month will feature activities to celebrate and engage seniors, promote intergenerational unity, and challenge ageism. Minister Wheatley expressed deep gratitude to caregivers, families, and partners supporting the elderly, calling for continued respect, support, and recognition of seniors across the Virgin Islands.