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VI Youth Shines at OECS Agriculture Meeting in Costa Rica
Two young Virgin Islands farmers, Marley Donovan of Aukie’s Farm and student Basheera Maduro, represented the Territory at the OECS Council of Ministers for Agriculture meeting in Costa Rica from May 26 to 30. Accompanied by Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson, the farmers participated in workshops and farm tours focused on climate resilience, modern techniques, and market strategies. They highlighted the value of regenerative agriculture and technology in farming. The meeting addressed key challenges facing young farmers and proposed solutions such as mentorship, agro-processing development, and access to funding. The Virgin Islands Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth in agriculture and welcomed the establishment of the OECS Agriculture Forum for Youth.
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BVI Introduces Revised Sanctions Guidelines to Strengthen Compliance and Enforcement
The British Virgin Islands has introduced revised Financial Sanctions Guidelines, effective from December 31, 2024. These guidelines provide comprehensive instructions for individuals, businesses, and financial institutions to comply with international sanctions. Key updates include asset freezing obligations, reporting requirements, and revisions to licensing procedures. The Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit oversees compliance and inquiries. A virtual session will be held to further guide stakeholders, and the updated guidelines are available on the FSC and FIA websites.
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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.
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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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17 Achievements in Infrastructure Outlined in 2025 Territorial Address
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley has reported significant progress across various sectors in 2024, highlighting achievements that support a stronger and more sustainable Virgin Islands. Delivering his 2025 Territorial Address under the theme “Planning, Priorities and Progress (2024) and Laying the Blocks of Success (2025) Building a Sustainable Nation,” Premier Wheatley cited road repairs, water and sewage upgrades, the launch of a payment portal, electrical infrastructure improvements, and legislative advancements, including steps toward expanding the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. He described 2024 as a year marked by resilience and innovation, with efforts aligning with the National Sustainable Development Plan’s six goals: Economy, Infrastructure, Health and Wellness, Education and Learning, Environment, and Good Governance & Leadership. The full address is available on the Government’s website and Facebook page, and residents are encouraged to participate in a public satisfaction survey.
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VI Government Partners with BBAC for Festivities Initiative
Brewers Bay, August Tuesday Cultural Festival Picnic
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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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Francis Lettsome Wins Inter-Primary School Athletics Championship for the Third Year
The 2025 Inter-Primary Schools Track and Field Championships concluded with Francis Lettsome Primary School winning the best primary school title for the third consecutive year. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, took place from March 26 to 28 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and featured various races, including 300m, 100m relays, and Sprint Medley Relay finals. Acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ms. Shaunice Leonard, congratulated the 21 participating schools and highlighted the championships as a platform to nurture future athletic talent. Individual champions in each division were announced, with Earlon Prescott, Janaicy Gumbs, Kaylaun Douglas, Shanae Benjamin, and Ke'Mori Daway among the top scorers. The titles of Victor and Victrix Ludorum were shared by multiple athletes with 30 points each. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports continues to support sports and recreation to enrich the lives of Virgin Islands residents.
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National Hero H. Lavity Stoutt’s Legacy To Be Honoured In Concert
The Government of the Virgin Islands will honor the late H. Lavity Stoutt in a concert on March 2, marking the 25th anniversary of his commemorative celebration and second since his elevation to National Hero status. The event, titled "Heroes Live Forever: The H. Lavity Stoutt Concert," will be held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus at 6:00 p.m. The concert will feature performances from local artists and seek to raise funds for the college. A special presentation will be made by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley to those who have contributed to honoring Stoutt. The celebrations also include a National Wreath Laying Ceremony on March 3 at Cappoons Bay Cemetery.
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Junior Minister Hodge-Smith Highlights Activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025
Junior Minister Hodge-Smith Highlights Activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025 Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, has announced a dynamic lineup of activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025, which is being observed under the theme “Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Tourism.”