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Press Briefing/Lunch and Learn Session - Government Response to the Global Fuel Crisis and Associated Rising Cost of Living
Ministerial Colleagues, Financial Secretary Mr. Jeremiah Frett, other senior public officers and heads of departments, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Last Friday, 17 April, 2026, I announced a suite of measures that my Government will be implementing for an initial three-month period to help members of the public cope with the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on the price of fuel, shipping costs and the cost of goods and services.
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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.
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Premier Wheatley Elected as President of the UK Overseas Territories Association
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has been elected President of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and President of the Political Council. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing challenges like climate change and economic resilience. Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, the UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, has been appointed Chair of UKOTA. The leadership change highlights a renewed commitment to collaborative governance and advocating for the interests of all UK Overseas Territories. UKOTA serves as a forum to promote dialogue and ensure equitable representation for all territories, especially smaller ones.
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Winners Announced for the Seven Seas Water Group Prize for Water Science
Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG) awarded the winners of the Prize for Water Science at the National Science Fair in recognition of World Water Day. Zara Pascoe from Cedar International School won in the Secondary Division for her project on marine pollution, while Daria Donovan and Brielle Williams from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won in the Primary Division for their project on bacterial growth in reusable water bottles. The winners toured the Paraquita Bay Water Plant and received their prizes. Minister of Education, Hon. Sharie de Castro, praised the partnership between SSWG and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the importance of STEAM education and scientific inquiry.
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Honourable Rymer Delivers Update on the Progress of the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex Renovations
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer has given a comprehensive update on the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex renovation project and the delays that arose since the project began.
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Tenders Invited for the Retrofitting for Office Space for the Integrity and Parliamentary Commissions
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GOVI) through the Premier’s Office invites Tenders for the Retrofitting for Office Space for the Integrity and Parliamentary Commissions located on the Ground Floor of the H.R. Penn Building, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands.
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Statement By Speaker of The House of Assembly Honourable Corine George-Massicote On The Importance of An Autonomous Legislature And The House of Assembly (Management), Bill 2025
Honourable Members of this House, and to the people of the Virgin Islands, As Speaker of the House of Assembly, I take this opportunity to address a matter of great national importance: the autonomy of this Honourable House and the significance of the House of Assembly (Management) Bill, 2025, which will receive its second and third readings in this sitting.
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Statement By Honourable Vincent Wheatley On World Obesity Day 2025
On World Obesity Day, March 4, 2025, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, highlighted the Virgin Islands' efforts to address obesity, emphasizing the theme "Changing Systems, Healthier Lives." Obesity remains a significant public health issue in the Territory, with contributing factors including poor diets, insufficient physical activity, and high alcohol consumption. The Ministry of Health and Social Development is working on several initiatives, including strengthening healthcare services, collaborating with PAHO on the HEARTS and HEARTS-D programmes, reducing trans fats and sugars in food, and promoting exercise through the BVI Moves initiative. Additionally, the Ministry is finalizing national nutritional guidelines in collaboration with other agencies. Residents are encouraged to make small, consistent changes in diet and physical activity for better
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Ministry of Communications and Works Announces Newly Approved Bus Services and Schedule
The Ministry of Communications and Works through the Taxi and Livery Commission and the Tortola Bus Drivers Association announces the commencement of approved public bus services operating across key routes on Tortola. The Tortola Bus Drivers Association, which is newly approved by the Ministry, and already functioning and serving the community, will operate the following scheduled services:
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Statement From Governor Of The Virgin Islands Daniel Pruce On The Implementation Of The Commission Of Inquiry's Recommendations And The Security Of The Territory
In his final review, the Governor of the Virgin Islands reported substantial progress in implementing the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations, with most completed and two delayed due to external factors. Eighteen related laws have been passed, but further work is needed to bring them into effect through policies and training. A new Governance Reform Implementation Action Plan has been approved, and vetting for law enforcement officers has begun. Public feedback showed broad support and growing trust in reforms. The recent Law Enforcement Review offers a roadmap for improved safety and oversight. The Governor emphasized continued collaboration, transparency, and public trust as essential to successful reform and national development.