On June 3, 2025, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, announced the launch of the Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide and Dietary Guidelines during the Fifth Sitting of the House of Assembly. The Guide is a key part of the Territory’s strategy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease by promoting balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Built around five core food groups, it encourages the consumption of local, nutritious foods and supports national goals of food security and public health. It will serve as a standard tool in schools, healthcare, and community programmes, with further plans to introduce a protected essential food basket to make healthy options more accessible. The Minister emphasized that the Guide is not just a document but a call to action for individuals, families, and communities to build a healthier Virgin Islands.
Educators in the Virgin Islands have completed an intensive week of training on the new digital OECS Harmonised Primary Curriculum, an initiative set to transform teaching and learning across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The curriculum, developed under the OECS PEARL Project (Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning), spans Kindergarten through Grade 6 and covers all four core subject areas. The initiative represents a unified regional effort to modernize classroom instruction, strengthen student engagement, and provide teachers with digital tools that enhance their effectiveness.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation continues to lead the Virgin Islands’ engagement with international partners to promote investment, strengthen financial services, and advance sustainable economic growth. Through overseas missions such as the recent visit to Latin America, the Ministry works to deepen global partnerships, highlight the Territory’s adherence to international standards, and showcase the Virgin Islands as a trusted and well-regulated international finance centre built on integrity, innovation, and reliability.
The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs successfully hosted its final Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Award Ceremony for 2025 on Friday, 19 December, in Road Town, reaffirming the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable business development.
The Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) began by expressing condolences to those who have lost loved ones and emphasizing the government’s commitment to democratic accountability. He mentioned the recent trade mission to Asia, where the BVI delegation promoted the territory’s financial services in China and Malaysia. The trip reinforced the BVI’s reputation, and Malaysia’s newfound economic relations position the BVI to offer corporate structures to Malaysian clients. Financial services account for around 60% of BVI’s revenue and are crucial for funding public services. The Premier opposed calls for public registers of beneficial ownership from the UK Parliament, stressing the BVI’s capacity to regulate its own financial services. He then addressed recent tensions between the BVI and the US Virgin Islands (USVI), particularly in the marine sector, where the BVI’s fees have not kept up with the growing charter industry’s prosperity. The BVI government is modernizing its legislation to bring balance to the economic benefits from USVI-chartered vessels using BVI waters. The Premier emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the two territories. He proposed a meeting with Governor Bryan of the USVI to discuss the issue and explore further economic opportunities, particularly in tourism. He concluded by reaffirming the familial and economic ties between the BVI and USVI, expressing the desire for both sides to prosper together.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking qualified persons to fill several positions on the Gaming and Betting (Gambling) Control Commission.
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission has announced the inaugural 284 Excellence Film Festival (284XFF), set for October 30 to November 2, 2025, aiming to bridge Caribbean literature and cinema. With the theme “Caribbean Literature in Motion: Caribbean Stories Reimagined,” the festival will showcase global films while spotlighting Caribbean narratives adapted for the screen. Featuring national, regional, and international competitions, as well as student and youth challenges, the event fosters creative collaboration and cultural exchange. Supported by major international film festivals and hosted in the BVI, 284XFF positions the Territory as a cinematic hub while empowering local and regional talent.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has formally commissioned the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station, a major milestone in delivering a long awaited sewerage system for the East End and Long Look communities. The commissioning ties together three of four key project pillars, the Long Swamp collection hub, the transmission mains, and the repaired Paraquita Bay treatment plant, and begins the commissioning and testing phase ahead of full system operation.
The Government announced that applications are now open for businesses seeking space in the Huntums Ghut Entrepreneurial Zone. Despite delays due to Covid-19 and funding challenges, the project has been completed with two resilient two-storey buildings, offering space for up to 34 businesses. Additional improvements include renovated bathroom facilities, new road access, parking, and a revitalized basketball court. A total of $1,202,794.06 has been invested, with the involvement of up to ten contractors. The First Step Programme for Entrepreneurs aims to empower local entrepreneurs by providing space to start and grow businesses, with the requirement of submitting a solid business plan. The initiative is designed to foster responsibility, sustainability, and innovation, with the support of various government departments to ensure business success. The Government emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses for economic growth and creating opportunities for Virgin Islanders. The Huntums Ghut Entrepreneurial Zone is seen as a key step toward building a stronger, more resilient economy for the Territory.
Message by Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley Premier of the Virgin Islands Heroes and Foreparents Day 20 October, 2025 People of the Virgin Islands, Today, we pause to honour the strength, courage, and vision of those whose shoulders we stand upon, our heroes and foreparents. Heroes and Foreparents Day is not simply a holiday; it is a sacred moment of remembrance and gratitude.