The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), under the Ministry of Communications and Works, is refining the scope of the ‘Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Programme’ to focus on five critical road projects: Fort Hill, Joe’s Hill, Windy Hill, Ridge Road, and Pockwood Pond. These roads were prioritized based on hazard exposure, asset vulnerability, traffic volume, and community needs. The RDA is planning schedules, budgets, and procurement for design engineering services. The projects aim to enhance road resilience, drainage systems, and water network upgrades, benefiting multiple communities. The program is funded by a $100M government loan and will improve over eight miles of road. The RDA is committed to transparency and public updates via BVIRecovery.vg and social media.
119 individuals became British Overseas Territories Citizens during two naturalisation ceremonies held on March 25 and 28 at Government House. Governor Daniel Pruce, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro welcomed and congratulated the new citizens, emphasizing the importance of citizenship, community, and shared values in the Virgin Islands.
Premier Wheatley Reaffirms Commitment to Good Governance, Sustainability, and Democratic Advancement in the 2026 Budget Address Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to good governance, democratic advancement, and sustainable national growth, as he presented his 2026 Budget Address in the House of Assembly on Thursday 6 November 2025.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced that the Virgin Islands achieved a milestone in 2024 by welcoming over one million visitors, marking the second time this has been accomplished since 2016. Total tourist arrivals reached 1,092,139, a 9.8% increase from 2023. This growth was seen across all visitor categories: cruise ship visitors up 6.8%, overnight visitors up 16.7%, and day trippers up 35.1%. The Premier highlighted the resilience of the tourism sector and emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development. The Tourism Summit will further discuss the sector’s future.
The Cabinet Office Team received an engaging and informative presentation on May 4 from Ms. Bernadine Louis, Chair of the Executive Committee for the 250th Anniversary of the Self-Manumission of the Long Look Free People and Co-Chair of the Long Look/East End Heritage Committee. She highlighted the historical significance of the Self-Manumission of the Long Look Free People as part of the Committee’s ongoing public awareness outreach.
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley delivered a keynote address at the Caribbean Postal Union and Universal Postal Union Workshop 2025, emphasizing the vital role of postal services in the Caribbean and the challenges posed by digital advancements and the e-commerce boom. He highlighted the history of the BVI's postal services and the importance of adapting to new technologies like AI and blockchain to stay relevant. Dr. Wheatley stressed the need for collaboration across Caribbean nations, innovation in postal services, and investment in workforce development to meet the growing demands of the digital economy. He concluded with optimism about the future of postal services in the region.
Construction has officially begun on the Long Look Social Home Complex, a major social development initiative aimed at providing safe, supervised accommodation and structured support for some of the most vulnerable persons in the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has celebrated the graduation of 19 care professionals from the first cohort of the BVI Care Certificate Programme, marking a significant step toward improving the quality of care across the Territory. Participants, representing various institutions including the BVI Health Services Authority, Adina Donovan Home, Rainbow Children’s Home, Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly, and the Social Development Department’s Home Care Programme, completed a rigorous 16-week blended training. The programme, adapted from UK standards and supported by the UK Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme, sets out essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours for care professionals. Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Coordinator Ms. Jascinth Hannibal commended the graduates for their commitment and highlighted the transformative impact of their shared experiences. Each participant will receive a Care Certified Badge and a Ministry-authenticated certificate, as the Ministry continues to strengthen a skilled and compassionate care workforce in the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands' 71st Emancipation Festival Celebration commenced with its traditional Torchlight Procession, marking the official start of the annual festivities.
The Office of Gender Affairs (OGA), in collaboration with the Family Support Network (FSN), participated a Domestic Violence Awareness Outreach today in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke under the theme “Domestic Violence: NO!”