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 (GOVI or the “Purchaser”) invites tenders for Vehicle(s) to the Government of the Virgin Islands for use by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF)
Premier Dr. The Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley addressed the inauguration of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine in the Virgin Islands on March 24, 2025. He emphasized that this marks a significant milestone for the territory's healthcare and education sectors. For the first time, students can study medicine locally at an internationally accredited institution, with the program starting on July 28, 2025. The medical school will offer affordable education, provide scholarships, and contribute to the local economy through increased tourism, air connectivity, and job creation. Premier Wheatley also highlighted the long-term benefits of the school’s establishment, such as improving healthcare, supporting edu-tourism, and creating future growth opportunities in various sectors.
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.
On June 3, 2025, Minister Sharie B. de Castro delivered a statement on recent developments at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), highlighting progress in enrollment trends, programme expansion, and institutional effectiveness. Key updates included a rise in part-time and male student enrolment, growth in technical and marine studies, continued success of the Dual-Enrolment and CAPE programmes, and the start of preparations for HLSCC’s 2028 accreditation renewal. With $900,000 in additional government support, the College also implemented a new salary structure following an Ernst & Young compensation review, increasing faculty starting salaries by 35%. Additionally, HLSCC is exploring four-year degree-granting status, beginning with a bachelor’s in education. These efforts affirm HLSCC’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education and align with national development goals as the institution celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Press Statement by Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance At Press Conference on 07 November 2025 1. Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) I will be leading a delegation to London from 24 to 28 November to participate in the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), a political meeting of OT Leaders, the Minister for Overseas Territories, the Right Honourable Stephen Doughty and other UK Ministers, and other respective delegations. The week will consist of a bilateral meeting with Minister Doughty, a meeting of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), of which I serve as President, the JMC itself and other meetings on matters of interest to the Virgin Islands.
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.
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.
From rubble to rebirth — that is the story of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre. In 2017, the winds roared and the walls fell. Chaos swept across our islands, tearing away not only buildings but, for a time, our sense of normalcy. Yet even in the midst of destruction, there flickered something divine — a determination, a dream, a design for renewal. Out of the chaos came clarity. Out of the ruin came resolve. And today, out of that rubble, rises this rebirth — the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, the proud home of the Grizzlies, and the first purpose-built special education facility of its kind in the entire OECS region.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Attorney General’s Chambers, is inviting qualified legal practitioners and consultants to submit Expressions of Interest for inclusion on a Panel of Legal Practitioners & Consultants. The Panel will provide a range of legal services including drafting, civil litigation, advisory, and specialist consultancy across various practice areas such as constitutional law, commercial law, legislative drafting, and more. Eligible applicants must be admitted or eligible to practice law in the Virgin Islands and demonstrate expertise in relevant fields. Selected panel members will be engaged on a case-by-case basis under framework agreements, with assignments based on need and performance. Submissions are due by July 14, 2025, and must include detailed documentation to support qualifications and experience.