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Education Month 2025 Hailed A Success
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports successfully concluded Education Month 2025 under the theme “Innovate. Inspire. Transform. A Reimagined Education for All.” Events across the Virgin Islands included leadership conferences, classroom initiatives, science fairs, debates, and athletic championships. The month celebrated learning, innovation, and community collaboration, highlighting the Territory’s dedication to an inclusive and forward-thinking education system.
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17 Achievements in Infrastructure Outlined in 2025 Territorial Address
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley has reported significant progress across various sectors in 2024, highlighting achievements that support a stronger and more sustainable Virgin Islands. Delivering his 2025 Territorial Address under the theme “Planning, Priorities and Progress (2024) and Laying the Blocks of Success (2025) Building a Sustainable Nation,” Premier Wheatley cited road repairs, water and sewage upgrades, the launch of a payment portal, electrical infrastructure improvements, and legislative advancements, including steps toward expanding the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. He described 2024 as a year marked by resilience and innovation, with efforts aligning with the National Sustainable Development Plan’s six goals: Economy, Infrastructure, Health and Wellness, Education and Learning, Environment, and Good Governance & Leadership. The full address is available on the Government’s website and Facebook page, and residents are encouraged to participate in a public satisfaction survey.
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Public Officers Consulted on the Human Rights Commission Bill
Public officers in the Virgin Islands were consulted on the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 during a virtual Extra-Ordinary Meeting on February 26. The meeting provided a detailed presentation on the Bill, allowing officers to ask questions and understand its impact. Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome emphasized the importance of public officer feedback in shaping the final version of the legislation. The Bill aims to establish an independent commission to address human rights violations. Public meetings for wider consultation are scheduled, with the first set for March 12, and the public is encouraged to participate and submit feedback online.
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VI Government Partners with BBAC for Festivities Initiative
Brewers Bay, August Tuesday Cultural Festival Picnic
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VI Youth Shines at OECS Agriculture Meeting in Costa Rica
Two young Virgin Islands farmers, Marley Donovan of Aukie’s Farm and student Basheera Maduro, represented the Territory at the OECS Council of Ministers for Agriculture meeting in Costa Rica from May 26 to 30. Accompanied by Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson, the farmers participated in workshops and farm tours focused on climate resilience, modern techniques, and market strategies. They highlighted the value of regenerative agriculture and technology in farming. The meeting addressed key challenges facing young farmers and proposed solutions such as mentorship, agro-processing development, and access to funding. The Virgin Islands Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth in agriculture and welcomed the establishment of the OECS Agriculture Forum for Youth.
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2025-2056 School Year – Full STEAM Ahead: Future Focused, Student Centered Professional Day 2025 — “Change is the Currency” By Honourable Sharie de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports
Three years ago, when we began this journey, I encouraged you to give more, to get change.
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National Hero H. Lavity Stoutt’s Legacy To Be Honoured In Concert
The Government of the Virgin Islands will honor the late H. Lavity Stoutt in a concert on March 2, marking the 25th anniversary of his commemorative celebration and second since his elevation to National Hero status. The event, titled "Heroes Live Forever: The H. Lavity Stoutt Concert," will be held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus at 6:00 p.m. The concert will feature performances from local artists and seek to raise funds for the college. A special presentation will be made by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley to those who have contributed to honoring Stoutt. The celebrations also include a National Wreath Laying Ceremony on March 3 at Cappoons Bay Cemetery.
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Public Service Debt Report for the Second Quarter of 2025
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI) currently holds fifteen standard loans with four creditors: three domestic (CIBC Caribbean, Republic Bank, and the Social Security Board) and one external (Caribbean Development Bank). Domestic debt totals $71.77 million (47.1% of total debt), while external debt with CDB accounts for $80.49 million (52.9%). Most of the debt (79.2%, or $120.62 million) carries floating interest rates, primarily with SSB, CIBC, and CDB, while the remaining 20.8% ($31.64 million) is fixed-rate debt held across all creditors.
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Junior Minister Hodge-Smith Highlights Activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025
Junior Minister Hodge-Smith Highlights Activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025 Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, has announced a dynamic lineup of activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025, which is being observed under the theme “Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Tourism.”
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Francis Lettsome Wins Inter-Primary School Athletics Championship for the Third Year
The 2025 Inter-Primary Schools Track and Field Championships concluded with Francis Lettsome Primary School winning the best primary school title for the third consecutive year. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, took place from March 26 to 28 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and featured various races, including 300m, 100m relays, and Sprint Medley Relay finals. Acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ms. Shaunice Leonard, congratulated the 21 participating schools and highlighted the championships as a platform to nurture future athletic talent. Individual champions in each division were announced, with Earlon Prescott, Janaicy Gumbs, Kaylaun Douglas, Shanae Benjamin, and Ke'Mori Daway among the top scorers. The titles of Victor and Victrix Ludorum were shared by multiple athletes with 30 points each. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports continues to support sports and recreation to enrich the lives of Virgin Islands residents.