Statement by Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE At the Official Celebration of Life for Dr. Robert Mathavious, OBE
Good morning. Standing here today, looking at this facility, I am reminded that progress is not always a straight line. Sometimes, it's a long and winding road with more than a few speed bumps along the way. This project we are here to commission today, the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station, has been exactly that kind of journey. If you look at the history, it goes back further than many of us realise. As early as 1974, a national sewerage system was on the then government's agenda. That was over 50 years ago. Some of our parents and grandparents were at public meetings talking about this very project when many of us were not yet born.
The public is advised of temporary road closures on Virgin Gorda to facilitate the Annual Easter Festival events. Lee Road will be closed from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, between Rosewood Little Dix Bay Laundry and the lower entrance of Millionaire Road. Additionally, Tower Road will be closed on Monday, April 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., between Buck’s Food Market and the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour Boat Yard. These closures are necessary to support the Cultural and Food Fair and the Easter Festival Parade. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise caution during this period.
The public is advised that the Social Development Department’s offices located at Botanic Station will be temporarily relocated to the John’s Hole location effective Monday, 27 October until further notice.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Festivals and Fairs Committee, will host the V.G. Easter Festival Forum on Monday, 16 February at 5:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Virgin Gorda.
The public is notified that road rehabilitation works at the junction at the foot of the hill leading down from Enis Adams Primary School are slated to commence on Thursday, 19th February and will last until Sunday, 22nd February. The purpose of the rehabilitation is for the removal of the dilapidated section of road at the junction. As a result, the road will be closed for the duration of the project.
Residents of the Virgin Islands are encouraged to download the 2025 schedule for the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System tests, which occur on the fourth Friday of each month. While no action is needed during tests, residents should use the opportunity to practice their emergency procedures at home or work. This includes reviewing shelter-in-place or evacuation plans, checking emergency supplies, and testing communication systems. For guidance on creating an emergency plan or more information, contact the Department of Disaster Management at (284) 468-4200.
The Department of Immigration reminds travelers that a valid passport is required for entry into the Territory. Effective March 1, 2025, only BVIslanders and Belongers can seek permission to enter without a valid passport. They must email immigrationinfo@gov.vg at least 48 hours before arrival with required details. Non-BVIslanders and non-Belongers must have a valid passport or a US passport card. Travelers are urged to ensure their documents are valid to avoid inconvenience. For more information, contact the department at 284-468-.
The Environmental Health Division, Vector Control Unit will be conducting fogging exercises on today, Monday September 1 in the following areas beginning at 5:30 p.m.
On March 30, 2025, an incident occurred at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, where a prisoner with mental health issues attacked a prison officer. The staff responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Both the officer and inmate received medical attention and were released the same day. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with mental health in prisons. The prison has been working with the Ministry of Health and Social Development to improve safety, security, and rehabilitation efforts, including enhanced training and better equipment. The commitment to improving mental health interventions and inmate management continues.