His Excellency The Governor Daniel Pruce On The Publication Of The Law Enforcement Review Part Two

Governor Daniel Pruce welcomed the publication of Part Two of the Law Enforcement Review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate, calling it a vital roadmap to strengthen law enforcement and criminal justice in the Virgin Islands. The review outlines key reforms to improve safety, governance, and crime-fighting capabilities, with UK-funded support and experts in place. A new recruitment campaign for the Commissioner of Police will be launched based on updated recommendations. Governor Pruce emphasized collaboration, community engagement, and thanked law enforcement officers for their dedication.

VI Government Launches Medium Term Development Strategy

The Government of the Virgin Islands has launched the 2025 Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDevS) to guide the Territory’s growth, aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). This three-year strategy will focus on fiscal policies, capital projects, and development initiatives, ensuring long-term prosperity. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized that the strategy serves as a roadmap to achieve the six National Development Goals and 17 key National Outcomes. The strategy integrates ministry priorities with national development objectives and fosters economic, environmental, and social resilience. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development is leading its execution.

HLSCC Strengthens Partnerships with UK Colleges and Universities

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, has announced that HLSCC graduates with degrees accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education can now enter directly into the third year of a bachelor’s programme at Richmond American University in London. This opportunity follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during a recent UK visit, where the minister and HLSCC President Dr. Richard Georges attended the Education World Forum. Honourable de Castro highlighted the challenges posed by rising U.S. tuition costs and visa uncertainties, noting that Virgin Islanders qualify as home students in the UK, paying significantly lower tuition fees. The partnership with Richmond University, which shares the same accreditation body as HLSCC, ensures smooth credit transfers and a more affordable, efficient pathway to completing undergraduate studies abroad.

Government Advances Efforts to Manage Derelict Vehicles

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, announced that the Government has signed a contract with ENS Excavation and Trucking Services to remove 500 derelict vehicles from the Havers temporary holding site on Tortola. Since March, 642 vehicles have been collected for export, with loading expected to conclude by June 19. While vehicle collection will temporarily pause as a new long-term storage site is identified, notices and fines will continue. A Derelict Vehicle Disposal Fee will be reintroduced on September 1, ranging from $60 to $125 based on vehicle weight. The ministry is also updating the Derelict Vehicles (Disposal) Act to better reflect current needs and enhance agency coordination. Honourable Wheatley reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to public health, environmental protection, and community appearance.

20 Achievements in Education Outlined in 2025 Territorial Address

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced a five-year strategic staffing plan that will add over 80 key positions to schools across the Virgin Islands, alongside a $2.5 million investment for critical upgrades including infrastructure repairs, safety enhancements, and new security systems. The government has also invested in modern classroom technology and teacher training to foster creativity and retain talent. Highlighting education initiatives like STEAM curriculum improvements, the Mathivated Project, and the Let’s Teach VI program, the Premier emphasized the importance of preparing future generations while honoring the Territory’s legacy, all framed within the 2025 Territorial Address theme of building a sustainable nation.

Virgin Islands Public Library Services To Be Automated

Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands Moves Toward Automation

Chief Librarian Ms. Suzanne Greenaway has announced that the Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands is moving towards automating the Anegada and Virgin Gorda community libraries. She mentioned that the automation process at the East End Library is nearly complete, with the final phase being the provision of new

Marine Safety Investigation Reporting Authority Releases Findings into the MV Mojaito Collision

The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has published its Safety Investigation Report into the collision involving the motor vessel Mojaito, which occurred on the night of 26 July 2025 in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, south of Brandywine Bay, Tortola.

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.

Enhancing Maritime Safety – Highlighted at North Sound Summit

Enhancing Maritime Safety – Highlighted at North Sound Summit Chief Marine Accident Investigator of the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), Mr. Jerome Padmore, continues to spotlight the Territory’s growing need for strengthened maritime safety measures.

Jeremy Hodge Seconded To RDA As Manager For Project Planning And Management

The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) is pleased to announce the secondment of Mr. Jeremy Hodge to the position of Manager – Project Planning and Management, effective Wednesday, 1st October, 2025.