Nine young men incarcerated at His Majesty’s Prison were among the Class of 2025 graduating cohort that earned their high school certification.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, commended nurses across the Virgin Islands during a ceremony marking Nurses Week 2025, describing them as the “heartbeat of the healthcare system.” He highlighted their vital role in public health and national development, stressing the need for continued investment in the profession through improved compensation, training, and resources. Honourable Wheatley also announced progress on the revised Alliance Agreement between the National Health Insurance and the BVI Health Services Authority, aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health system and supporting the well-being of the Territory’s people.
The Office of the Deputy Governor announced that the public consultation on the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 will begin on March 12. The Bill proposes the creation of an independent commission to investigate human rights violations in the Virgin Islands. The consultation seeks public input on the Bill, which will establish a Human Rights Commission to receive complaints, including those against public officers or private companies. The meetings will be held on March 12 in Tortola, March 13 in Virgin Gorda, March 18 in Anegada, and March 19 in Jost Van Dyke. The public can also submit written feedback online.
The BVI Health Services Authority, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency, will carry out critical repairs and upgrades to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, including the Major Peebles Wing and Annex. Health Minister Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley emphasized that these renovations are vital for maintaining healthcare standards and improving the quality of life in the Virgin Islands. Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley stated that good healthcare is key to the government's vision for the Virgin Islands as a model society. The scope of the improvements includes enhancing infrastructure for medical professionals, improving service delivery, and supporting the hospital's accreditation. The government is committed to building a fully inclusive health system.
The Department of Immigration is committed to improving accessibility, efficiency, and customer service in the Virgin Islands. Through initiatives such as the introduction of Saturday appointment services, the Department continues to modernise its operations and enhance convenience for residents and visitors. Ongoing efforts include process streamlining, digital service development, and staff training to ensure timely, reliable, and customer-focused immigration services that reflect the highest standards of integrity and excellence.
The UK’s Anti-Corruption Champion, Baroness Margaret Hodge, is arriving in the British Virgin Islands today (22 September) to assess progress in implementing commitments on beneficial ownership registers.
The Environmental Health Division will host two Food Handlers Training sessions in April. The first session will be virtual on April 8 at 9:00 a.m. Participants should have WebEx downloaded and register via this link: WebEx Registration. Screen sharing will not be allowed. The second session will take place at the Elmore Stoutt High School (L-shape building) Lecture Room on April 22 at 5:00 p.m. Attendees should bring materials for note-taking. Renewing food handlers should bring their food handler’s card and ID, while new food handlers must provide a passport-sized photo, social security card, and ID.
The BVI Postal Service has announced the temporary suspension of mail items containing goods bound for the United States and its territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) effective Friday, 29th August 2025, until further notice
The Department of Waste Management is advising residents of Anegada that household waste collection will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
The Ministry of the Environment invites the public to participate in seagrape tree plantings at Long Bay, Beef Island on March 15, 23, and 29, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Participants should gather at the roundabout area by 7:45 a.m. and are encouraged to bring water and wear appropriate clothing. The trees are being named in honor of Virgin Islanders from the Seventh and Eighth Districts who contributed to community development. Nominations for the trees can be submitted online or by calling the Ministry.