The Ministry of Health and Social Development has secured a USD 250,000 grant from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), supported by Direct Relief, under the Enhancing Health Infrastructure and Resilience Project (EHIR). The funds will help improve health infrastructure to address climate change-related health challenges. The project will fund the installation of standby backup power at six health centres, upgrade cold storage for vaccines and medical supplies, and install an oxygen generation plant at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith hospital. This initiative aims to ensure reliable health services during emergencies and improve medical supply sustainability. The project is expected to conclude by the end of April.
The Water and Sewerage Department has launched an online payment portal, allowing customers to pay their bills conveniently. Announced by Minister Kye M. Rymer, the portal offers 24/7 access, dual payment options, and secure account management. Customers can register starting February 1 and are encouraged to provide an email address for billing updates. The project was supported by several stakeholders, including the Department of Information Technology, Banco Popular, and Smarter Commerce. The portal is part of the government's effort to modernize public services and improve utility payment processes.
The Department of Waste Management is celebrating the creativity and commitment of persons who work to enhance public spaces across the Virgin Islands.
The Environmental Health Division is offering weekly food handler certification courses in June and July to prepare for the Emancipation Festival in August. Both in-person (at ESHS) and virtual sessions are available. Certification is mandatory for all food handlers, and no extra sessions will be added, so early attendance is advised. Booth owners should also collect vending registration forms. For updates, follow the division on Facebook or contact them directly.
Residents of the Virgin Islands are encouraged to love responsibly, know their status, and protect their health as the Ministry of Health and Social Development continues to encourage safe sex with its Wrap it Up Re-Loaded Valentine’s campaign.
The BVI Hong Kong Representative Office led a delegation to the Republic of India, engaging key stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to deepen financial services and regulatory dialogue between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and India. BVI-India cooperation continues to deepen across key institutional and industry channels.
Madam Speaker, I rise to address a matter of national importance: the continued sustainability of our Social Security system. Social Security is a cornerstone of social protection in our Territory. It ensures that our citizens, our workforce, and their families have access to essential benefits in times of need. We must recognise and affirm the indispensable role employers play in maintaining this system. Paying contributions is not only a statutory obligation, it is a moral commitment to the well-being of our people and the resilience of our economy.
The Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (CBRTPP) is observing its 10th anniversary; marking a decade of growth, opportunity, and Virgin Islands pride since its grand opening in 2016. Speaking at the anniversary ceremony on the park’s scenic waterfront, officials reflected on the facility’s transformative impact on the Territory’s cruise tourism sector and the enduring spirit of collaboration that made it possible. They also paid tribute to successive governments and visionary leaders who helped shape the facility’s evolution over the years.
Good morning everyone and thank you for joining me.
The King's Birthday Parade and Celebration in honour of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Friday, June 13 at 9:00 a.m., starting at Sir Olva Georges Plaza and ending at Queen Elizabeth II Park. Governor Daniel Pruce will inspect the parade and present honours. Thirty-four officers from various agencies will be recognized for long service and good conduct, including members of the Police Force, Fire and Rescue Services, Immigration, and Customs. The public is invited to attend, and honourees are encouraged to wear their medals.