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Statement by Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE At the Official Celebration of Life for Dr. Robert Mathavious, OBE
Statement by Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE At the Official Celebration of Life for Dr. Robert Mathavious, OBE
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Premier's Message for Heroes and Foreparents Day
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.
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Premier Wheatley Statement on 2025 CARILEC Symposium "Informed. Empowered. Safe."
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley welcomed participants to the 2025 CARILEC Line-Workers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training in the Virgin Islands, commending the critical role of utility workers in maintaining and restoring power, especially during natural disasters. He emphasized the importance of safety, training, and regional collaboration, while highlighting the Virgin Islands’ strides toward sustainable energy, including a solar project in Anegada and incentives for solar adoption. The Premier praised CARILEC’s efforts in workforce development and urged continued focus on cultivating skilled, empowered professionals to support the region’s evolving energy needs.
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Contract Signed For Design And Construction Management Of Farmers’ Reservoir
On May 13, 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands signed a $224,639.60 contract with Alvair Limited for consultancy services related to the engineering design and construction management of water mains and civil works for the Farmers’ Reservoir at Paraquita Bay. This 30-month project, led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) and funded by the Government with the Premier’s Office as Ministry Partner, aims to address the long-standing water access issues affecting local farmers and enhance food security in the Territory. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the importance of moving from discussion to action to support agricultural productivity. RDA CEO Anthony McMaster highlighted the project’s economic and strategic value, encouraging local engagement as the initiative progresses.
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Remarks by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley On the occasion of the the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, delivered remarks at the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) on February 11, 2025. He emphasized the importance of protecting the Virgin Islands' natural environment, which is vital to the economy, resilience, and quality of life. He highlighted the threats to biodiversity, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, with specific mention of sand mining on Anegada and the decline of coral reefs and endangered species like the Virgin Islands Rock Iguana. The NBSAP aims to provide a clear framework for sustainable development, integrating conservation into national planning. Dr. Smith-Berkeley acknowledged the support of various partners, including the OECS, PC Consultants Ltd., Dr. Shannon Gore, and the EU’s BioSPACE Project, and called on all members of the community to take collective action for conservation.
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119 Naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens
119 individuals became British Overseas Territories Citizens during two naturalisation ceremonies held on March 25 and 28 at Government House. Governor Daniel Pruce, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro welcomed and congratulated the new citizens, emphasizing the importance of citizenship, community, and shared values in the Virgin Islands.
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Winners Announced for the Seven Seas Water Group Prize for Water Science
Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG) awarded the winners of the Prize for Water Science at the National Science Fair in recognition of World Water Day. Zara Pascoe from Cedar International School won in the Secondary Division for her project on marine pollution, while Daria Donovan and Brielle Williams from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won in the Primary Division for their project on bacterial growth in reusable water bottles. The winners toured the Paraquita Bay Water Plant and received their prizes. Minister of Education, Hon. Sharie de Castro, praised the partnership between SSWG and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the importance of STEAM education and scientific inquiry.
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Honourable Rymer Delivers Update on the Progress of the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex Renovations
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer has given a comprehensive update on the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex renovation project and the delays that arose since the project began.
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Statement by the Minister of Communication and Works to the House of Assembly on Airport Runway Expansion Project
Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, updated the House on the airport runway expansion project at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. The Outline Business Case has been completed and is under review, detailing the necessity of extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, improve connectivity, and boost passenger arrivals from 145,000 to 500,000 annually by year 15. The project will be funded through a public-private partnership, with a phased development approach. It includes two procurement phases, aiming for a 2027 construction start and a 2032 completion. Approval from the Cabinet and further regulatory clearances are required to proceed. The expansion is presented as a critical step for the territory’s economic growth, tourism, and regional competitiveness.