Board of Governors, President Georges, faculty, staff and students, good afternoon. Standing here today as both Minister for Education and a proud alumna of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, I am humbled.
The Office of the Deputy Governor has completed a 10-week public consultation on the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025. The process gathered valuable public feedback to help shape the Bill, which aims to establish an independent commission to address human rights violations, advise on related legislation, and promote education. The consultation results will be reviewed to refine the Bill before its next version is finalized. Final comments were invited by March 31.
Government ministers and senior officials met to discuss the future direction of the Virgin Islands, focusing on key legislative measures and strategic plans. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the importance of collaboration for the Territory's growth. Discussions included the Public Service Management Act (PSMA), 2024, and aligning ministry priorities with national goals, particularly the National Sustainable Development Plan. The meeting aimed to advance the government's vision for sustainable development and effective governance in the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has temporarily suspended new applications for work permit exemptions under Minister’s Discretion, effective immediately. Renewal applications will still be accepted. The Ministry is developing guidelines for eligibility under this category. Applications can still be submitted under "By Marriage" or "By Education" categories. New applications under Minister’s Discretion will be on hold. For more information, contact the Ministry at 468-2112.
His Majesty’s Customs and the Department of Immigration have launched a fully online card processing system to modernize the Embarkation/Disembarkation process in the Territory. Commissioner Mr. Clinton 'Greg' Romney explained that the system combines both agencies' processes, eliminating the need for travelers to fill out duplicate forms. The new online module, introduced by CARICOM IMPACS, allows for a more efficient, green, and cost-effective system, with travelers able to complete forms up to 72 hours before travel. The goal is to expedite processing, improve service at ports of entry, and enhance border protection and national security.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote, has been invited to deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Women’s Transformational Leadership Conference in Barbados on 18 June 2025. Hosted by CIWiL and partners, the event aims to empower women in leadership across the region. Speaker George-Massicote expressed her honour to represent the Virgin Islands and the CPA, emphasizing the importance of promoting gender equity and good governance. The public is encouraged to attend virtually by registering at ciwil.org/regional-womens-leadership-conference.
A contract was signed with E&K Construction for a new social home in Baughers Bay as the Ministry of Health and Social Development delivers on its commitment to support vulnerable residents across the Virgin Islands.
The Department of Waste Management is requesting quotations for the supply and installation of 11 solar-powered security outdoor cameras and 3 indoor security cameras. The cameras will be installed at various waste management sites in Tortola. The cameras must meet specific specifications, including 2K video quality, night vision, solar power (for outdoor cameras), and internal memory storage. Interested businesses must submit their quotations, along with pictures, product details, and required certifications by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 14 March 2025. Quotations should be hand-delivered to the Department of Waste Management Office. For more information, contact Mr. Marcus Solomon or Ahdan Doward at 284-468-4934.
Tender Opportunity: Fort Burt Infrastructure Works The Government of the Virgin Islands invites qualified contractors to submit tenders for infrastructure rehabilitation works at Fort Burt, Tortola. The project includes selective demolition, drainage upgrades, pavement construction, culvert extensions, and utility facilitation to improve public access and stormwater management. Tender documents are available via email at procurement@gov.vg. Submissions are due by Tuesday, 13th January 2026 at 10:00 a.m. A virtual pre-tender meeting will be held on Thursday, 4th December 2025 at 10:00 a.m. For details, contact the Procurement Unit at (284) 468-4245.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is inviting tenders for the provision of transportation services for secondary students attending the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) who reside in Long Look, Tortola.