Government Signs Contract for Long Look Social Home Complex

The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Health and Social Development signed a contract with Island Concrete Limited for the construction of the Long Look Social Home Complex.

BVI Strengthens Child Health Systems Through Capacity Building

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has partnered with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to strengthen national systems for growth monitoring, nutrition surveillance, and early intervention in child health.

Agriculture And Fisheries Month Activities to Kick off this weekend

Agriculture and Fisheries Month will be observed this year with activities designed to highlight the ingenuity and resilience of the local sectors.

The month’s observance which will be held from March 8 to 29 will feature activities including exhibitions, markets, and a panel discussion aimed at fostering meaningful conversations about food security, sustainability, and technological advancement in agriculture and fisheries

The BVI Film Commission Launches Future Filmmakers Academy

The British Virgin Islands Film Commission is launching the Future Filmmakers Academy, a week-long programme from March 31 to April 4, 2025, for young aspiring filmmakers aged 7 to 12. The academy will provide hands-on training in filmmaking, storytelling, directing, animation, and production, led by industry professionals Dame Peters and Naudia Turnbull. Sessions will be held at Seagrape Studios and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Registration is open, and space is limited. The BVI Film Commission aims to foster the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.

Agriculture And Fisheries Month Activities to Kick off this weekend

Agriculture and Fisheries Month will be observed from March 8 to 29, featuring activities such as exhibitions, markets, and a panel discussion focused on food security, sustainability, and technological advancements in agriculture and fisheries. These events aim to provide a platform for local producers, fishermen, and experts to share knowledge and showcase products. Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Karl Dawson, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices despite limited land, while Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Theodore James, highlighted this year's theme, "Limited Land, Vast Ocean: Reimagining Food Production Through Ingenuity." Activities include an exhibition and market in Tortola, AgriFish Dialogue, and exhibitions on Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries supports training for sustainable food production methods.

His Majesty’s Prison Successfully Hosts First Annual Drama Exhibition

In a display of creativity, reflection, and growth, His Majesty’s Prison recently staged its First Annual Drama Exhibition, underscoring its continued commitment to rehabilitation and positive transformation within the correctional system.

Statement By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley Minister For Health And Social Development Update On The Derelict Vehicle Programme

At the Fifth Sitting of the House of Assembly on June 3, 2025, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, provided an update on the Government’s efforts to manage derelict vehicles across the Virgin Islands. He reported that a total of 642 abandoned vehicles were collected from the Havers site—exceeding the initial target of 500—and are scheduled for export by June 19. While the current site will soon be cleared, a new long-term storage location is being sought in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. In the interim, collection is suspended, but removal notices and fines will continue for hazardous vehicles. To fund ongoing efforts, the Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee will be reinstated on September 1, 2025, based on vehicle weight, with a public information campaign planned. Additionally, a revised policy is being developed to modernize the outdated 2000 legislation, aiming for better inter-agency collaboration, fee collection at ports of entry, and a more sustainable, technology-driven approach to derelict vehicle management.

Inaugural VI Tourism Summit to Address Critical Issues in Sector

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced that the inaugural Tourism Summit 2025 will be held on January 16-17 at Peter Island Resort. The summit, a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, and BVIYHTA, aims to discuss critical issues shaping the Territory's tourism policy and strategy. The event will focus on sustainable tourism, visitor management, and government roles in tourism, with input from local and regional experts. The summit seeks to foster strategic planning for the future of the tourism sector, ensuring its resilience and relevance in a changing global landscape.

Government Advances Efforts to Manage Derelict Vehicles

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, announced that the Government has signed a contract with ENS Excavation and Trucking Services to remove 500 derelict vehicles from the Havers temporary holding site on Tortola. Since March, 642 vehicles have been collected for export, with loading expected to conclude by June 19. While vehicle collection will temporarily pause as a new long-term storage site is identified, notices and fines will continue. A Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee will be reintroduced on September 1, ranging from $60 to $125 based on vehicle weight. The ministry is also updating the Derelict Vehicles (Disposal) Act to better reflect current needs and enhance agency coordination. Honourable Wheatley reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to public health, environmental protection, and community appearance.

A 53 Member Delegation to Represent the VI at CARIFESTA 2025

Premier and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, has announced that the Virgin Islands’ cultural ambassadors will tell the Territory’s stories at the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in Barbados from August 22 to 31.