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Stakeholders Discuss Advancement in Early Childhood Education
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports hosted a panel discussion with health and private sector stakeholders to address challenges and solutions in early childhood development. Panelists emphasized the importance of soft skills, play-based learning, and brain development in the first five years of life. Key speakers included Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe, Dr. Natasha Frett, Ms. Sharia de Castro, and Education Officer Kimberly George. The session highlighted the shift from traditional academics to interactive, skills-based approaches for lifelong impact. The full discussion is available on the Government’s Facebook page.
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BVI Robotics Team Heads to Panama for 2025 FIRST Global Challenge
Five young Virgin Islanders are set to proudly raise the Territory's flag on the global stage as they compete in the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City from October 29 to November 1. This year's team — Eleazar Brooks, Keyara Smith, Jayron Gibson, Judiah Case, and Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell will compete with their robot, Artemis, marking the Virgin Islands' third consecutive year on the international robotics stage. Since their debut in Singapore in 2023, followed by Greece in 2024, the team has steadily climbed the global rankings, moving from 143rd out of 191 to 111th out of 180 teams worldwide.
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Press Conference Statement Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, RA 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM 28th February, 2025
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change discussed his participation at the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for addressing shared challenges such as climate change, trade, crime, and security. CARICOM’s collective response to issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability was highlighted. The Deputy Premier also noted the discussions on technology and innovation, with an emphasis on the Virgin Islands’ potential in healthcare and digital education. CARICOM’s support for the Virgin Islands’ self-determination was reaffirmed, and he praised Martinique’s steps toward becoming an Associate Member of CARICOM. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Premier and the Territory at the meeting.
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Regional Disaster Management Leaders Meet in Turks and Caicos
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn attended the 16th CDEMA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting in the Turks and Caicos Islands, alongside other regional disaster leaders. The meeting focused on emergency preparedness, response strategies, and regional collaboration amid growing climate and geopolitical risks. Penn emphasized that cooperation among Caribbean nations is key to effective disaster response. The event reviewed past impacts and set plans for a new disaster management strategic framework. CDEMA consists of 20 participating states, working together to strengthen regional resilience.
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New Care Certificate Programme Launched To Improve Healthcare
The BVI has launched a Care Certificate programme to standardize healthcare services among unregulated professionals. The programme, authorized by the UK Health Security Agency, aims to ensure consistent care across health and social services. The first cohort of 20 participants from BVIHSA and social services will learn 15 critical standards, including duty of care, safeguarding, mental health awareness, and infection control. The course, lasting four months, includes face-to-face learning, WebEx sessions, and on-the-job training with assessments. The programme starts on January 27 and aims to improve the quality of care across the Territory.
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Government of the Virgin Islands OFFICIAL Statement
On June 6, 2025, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley reaffirmed the Government of the Virgin Islands' commitment to financial stability and the integrity of its financial services sector. Emphasizing support for institutions like the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation (VIDIC), the Premier expressed confidence in their oversight of the winding down of the Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited. He clarified that public fund placements, including a recent government deposit in the bank, follow established financial protocols without ministerial involvement. To ensure transparency, he has requested an internal audit of the transaction. The Premier encouraged the public to rely on official sources for accurate updates and pledged continued commitment to good governance and financial leadership.
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Natalie Fahie-Smith appointed as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development & Digital Transformation
Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith has been appointed as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development & Digital Transformation after serving as Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
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VI to Join Regional Tsunami Preparedness Exercise March 19
The Virgin Islands will join some half a million Caribbean residents for the fifteenth regional tsunami preparedness exercise on March 19.
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Debra D. Hodge Appointed Director of Youth Affairs and Sports
Ms. Debra D. Hodge has been appointed Director of Youth Affairs and Sports effective 2nd February, 2026. The new director joins the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports with extensive experience in youth development, having most recently worked as Director of Student Life at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
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Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Partners with Government of the Virgin Islands for Holiday Gift Project
The Ministry of Communications and Works is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Holiday Gift Project, hosted in partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. This yearly initiative aimed to bring joy and festive cheer to children throughout the Virgin Islands.