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Statement By Honourable Sharie B. de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports on Recent Developments at HLSCC
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.
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Premier's Press Statement At 7 November 2025 Press Conference
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.
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Statement By Premier Hon. Dr Natalio D. Wheatley Update On 76th Meeting Of The OECS Authority And Other Matters
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.
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Press Conference Statement Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, RA 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM 28th February, 2025
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.
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Invitation for Expressions of Interest: Legal Services Panel for the Government of the Virgin Islands
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.
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Offical Statement by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports on the Opening of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre
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.
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Vacancy - The Gaming and Betting (Gambling) Control Commission
The Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking qualified persons to fill several positions on the Gaming and Betting (Gambling) Control Commission.
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Remarks by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro - Education Month 2026 Opening Address
Today, as we launch Education Month 2026, we affirm a truth that every great nation in history has understood: that the true wealth of a country is not found in its bank accounts, but in its classrooms. Not in its buildings, but in its people. And people are built through education.
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Keynote Address by Honourable Dr. Natalio D Wheatley, Premier at the Virgin Islands Tourism Summit Peter Island Resort
The Virgin Islands' First Tourism Summit aims to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive tourism industry. The Government plans to develop a National Tourism Policy, with consultations across the territory, focusing on sustainability, cultural integration, economic empowerment, and partnerships. Key improvements include the establishment of a Ministry of Tourism, a National Tourism Policy, and support for small businesses. Future initiatives will include a Tourism Investment Programme, a clean and green environment program, and a Tourism Apprenticeship Programme. The government also plans to enhance the charter yacht sector, align agriculture and fisheries with tourism, and protect the environment to ensure sustainable tourism. Public input will be crucial for shaping the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands.