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Statement By Honourable Vincent Wheatley On World Obesity Day 2025
Honourable Sharie B. De Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, launched Education Month 2025 on March 4, with the theme "Innovate, Inspire, Transform: A Reimagined Education for All." The focus is on strengthening education through infrastructure, professional development, and resources. The Minister emphasized the importance of reimagining education to integrate new technologies and diversify the curriculum. Key initiatives include investment in STEAM education, honoring the legacy of Honourable Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, and improving education infrastructure with significant financial investments. Activities for the month include a range of events aimed at engaging and inspiring students, teachers, and the community. The Ministry is also investing in teacher development and partnering with the private sector to enhance learning opportunities. The goal is to create a modern, inclusive education system that prepares students for global challenges.
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Keynote Address by the Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley At the Caribbean Postal Union and Universal Postal Union Workshop 2025
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley delivered a keynote address at the Caribbean Postal Union and Universal Postal Union Workshop 2025, emphasizing the vital role of postal services in the Caribbean and the challenges posed by digital advancements and the e-commerce boom. He highlighted the history of the BVI's postal services and the importance of adapting to new technologies like AI and blockchain to stay relevant. Dr. Wheatley stressed the need for collaboration across Caribbean nations, innovation in postal services, and investment in workforce development to meet the growing demands of the digital economy. He concluded with optimism about the future of postal services in the region.
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Students Engage in Youth Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly During United Kingdom Speaker’s Visit
Students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the Territory took part in a Youth Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly on Thursday, 19th February, engaging in a structured parliamentary debate on issues central to The Virgin Islands’ future.
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Statement by Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley - Senior Citizens’ Month 2026 Opening and Declaration Ceremony
Pleasant Virgin Islands morning to everyone. I am Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development. It’s truly a pleasure to be here with you today. I have to say, standing in front of a group with this much life experience is a little intimidating. After all, you’ve seen trends come and go… and come back again! Some of you probably look at what’s “new” today and think, “We already did that… just with better music.” Jokes aside, what I see in this room is something incredibly special. I see strength, I see resilience, I see people who have lived through moments that shaped the world—and still found ways to laugh, love, and keep going.
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Remarks by Governor Daniel Pruce at a Press Conference on 7th May, 2026
Good morning and thank you for joining me at Government House this morning. Let me begin by providing updates on security-related matters including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the prison, HMP Balsam Ghut, and after I’ll say a few words about last week’s visit to the Virgin Islands by Mr. Robbie Bulloch, Director of the Overseas Territories at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – his first visit to the British Virgin Islands.
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Statement By Premier Hon. Dr Natalio D. Wheatley Update On 76th Meeting Of The OECS Authority And Other Matters
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley held a press conference on March 21, 2025, where he addressed concerns over rising crime and violence, calling for collective community efforts to tackle these issues. He provided updates from the 76th OECS Authority meeting, welcomed St. Martin as an Associate Member, and discussed constitutional advancements. The Premier also announced the return of Honourable Lorna Smith to the government, highlighted the launch of the UN-Eastern Caribbean Roadmap for development finance, and celebrated the success of the Vybz Kartel show.
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Statement by Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio D Wheatley, on the Completion and Submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands Self-Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced the completion and submission of the Virgin Islands' Self-Assessment Report on implementing the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations. This milestone reflects significant governance reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and institutional structures. Dr. Wheatley credited public officers, Cabinet, and the COI Implementation Unit for their dedicated efforts and emphasized that reforms go beyond COI requirements, aligning with nation-building goals. The UK will decide by 30 June 2025 whether to lift the Order in Council that threatens partial suspension of the Constitution.
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Statement by Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio D Wheatley, on the Completion and Submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands Self-Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley announced the completion and submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Self-Assessment Report on the implementation of the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations. This report, along with the Governor’s final review and public submissions, will help the UK determine whether to lift the Order in Council which allows for potential direct rule. The Premier confirmed that 46 of 48 recommendations have been completed, with the remaining two requiring external constitutional or judicial action. He also introduced the Governance Reform Transition Plan to guide continued implementation and public education. Dr. Wheatley expressed gratitude to all involved and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to stronger self-governance and ongoing reform.
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Remarks by Premier, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, on the Launch of the Road Town Partnership at FSC Conference Room
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley launched the Road Town Partnership (RTP) on April 4, 2025, marking a new beginning for revitalizing the capital. The RTP is a public-private-community partnership aimed at transforming Road Town through collaboration, sustainable development, and urban improvement. The initiative brings together government, private sector, and community representatives under a formal structure to create and implement a comprehensive Road Town Development Plan. The Premier emphasized the need for focus, unity, and investment to build a capital city that reflects the pride and aspirations of the Virgin Islands.
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Statement by Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer- Commissioning of the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station
Good morning. Standing here today, looking at this facility, I am reminded that progress is not always a straight line. Sometimes, it's a long and winding road with more than a few speed bumps along the way. This project we are here to commission today, the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station, has been exactly that kind of journey. If you look at the history, it goes back further than many of us realise. As early as 1974, a national sewerage system was on the then government's agenda. That was over 50 years ago. Some of our parents and grandparents were at public meetings talking about this very project when many of us were not yet born.