Article
Internal Audit Department Observes Internal Audit Month in May
The Internal Audit Department observes Internal Audit Month under the theme “Internal Audit in Focus: Shifting the Narrative, Reset, Renew, Rebuild.
Article
Government Agencies Strengthen Public Health Preparedness/ Border Response
The Ministry of Health and Social Development recently convened a multi-sector stakeholder workshop aimed at strengthening the Territory's Public Health Preparedness and Border Health Operations Framework.
Article
Statement By Premier And Minister Of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley On The Occasion Of The Press Briefing On Regional And International Affairs
A pleasant good morning to the Press Corps and the people of the Virgin Islands. I would like to acknowledge my Honourable Colleagues and Senior Officials present. I am pleased to provide an update on my recent overseas engagements to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands, as my Government continues to bolster our economy, drive sustainable development and pursue constitutional advancement.
Article
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.
Article
Earth Day 2026: Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution in The Virgin Islands
As The Virgin Islands marks Earth Day 2026, Green VI and the Governor’s Office extend a Territory-wide invitation for all residents to take collective action against plastic pollution. Under the local theme ‘Planet vs. Plastics’, this year’s Earth Week (20 – 25 April) highlights the growing impact of plastic pollution—not only on the environment, but on human health, livelihoods, and the future of the Territory. The plastic we discard every day does not simply disappear. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics that are now found in what we eat, drink, fish in and breathe. Studies show that the average person consumes approximately 5 grams of plastic each week, the equivalent of a credit card, and a single plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to decompose.
Article
VI Government To Create A National Tourism Policy
The inaugural Tourism Summit, held on January 16-17 at Peter Island, laid the foundation for a National Tourism Policy to guide the sector's development. Public consultations will continue to finalize the policy by June 2025. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized tourism’s role in the economy, while Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith highlighted the importance of collaboration. Key initiatives include sustainable practices, empowering local communities, and enhancing visitor experiences. Over 330 stakeholders participated, and the summit marked a commitment to shaping a sustainable, inclusive tourism sector for the Virgin Islands.
Article
VI Government To Create A National Tourism Policy
The inaugural Tourism Summit held on January 16-17 laid the foundation for a National Tourism Policy, to be finalized by June 2025. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized tourism's importance to the economy. Key initiatives include sustainable practices, empowering local communities, and enhancing visitor experiences. Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith stressed the role of collaboration, noting that tourism is everyone’s business. The summit celebrated the recovery of Peter Island Resort and involved over 330 stakeholders, aiming for a sustainable, inclusive tourism sector that benefits all residents. The Ministry of Tourism is committed to responsible tourism and cultural preservation.
Article
Remarks by Hon. Sharie de Castro for the Foreign Languages Immersive Extravaganza
Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, delivered remarks at the Foreign Languages Immersive Extravaganza to emphasize the importance of bilingualism in the Virgin Islands. She highlighted the government's commitment to teaching Spanish and French at the primary and secondary levels, stressing the role of bilingualism in enhancing the economy, especially in sectors like tourism and financial services. Bilingualism is seen as a critical tool for fostering global engagement and boosting the economy by attracting diverse visitors and investors. Minister de Castro encouraged the community to attend the Foreign Languages Immersive Extravaganza on 8th and 9th May 2025, celebrating language learning and cultural diversity.
Article
Multi-agency Task Force Created for Student Support and Intervention
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced the launch of two key initiatives—the Steering Group on Student Wellbeing and a multi-agency Task Force on Student Support and Intervention—to tackle rising student misconduct across the Virgin Islands. Highlighting troubling data presented to the National Security Council, the minister outlined a comprehensive Framework for Student Support and Wellbeing, which includes expanded counselling, social-emotional learning, teacher training, and alternative education options. School-level efforts such as the Student Behaviour Committee at Bregado Flax Educational Centre and the BEAM Programme at Elmore Stoutt High School are already making strides in supporting at-risk students. These national and community-driven interventions aim to address root causes of behavioral issues and ensure holistic student development across the Territory.
Article
Minister for Education Commends RiteWay for Championing Inclusive Employment
Minister for Education Honourable Sharie B. deCastro has praised RiteWay Food Markets for its ongoing partnership with the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre (EHRLC) during the school’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony. The partnership, through the school’s apprenticeship programme launched in 2024, supports students with special needs by providing hands-on work experience. Two graduates have since been offered employment at RiteWay. The initiative highlights the ministry’s commitment to inclusive education and its broader vision for education transformation under the “Full STEAM Ahead” theme. Businesses are encouraged to follow RiteWay’s example and support inclusive workforce development.