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Initiative To Replant 100 Seagrape Trees At Long Bay Continues
On March 15, 2025, family members of 22 honorees gathered at Long Bay, Beef Island, to plant seagrape trees in honor of their ancestors’ contributions to the Virgin Islands community. The Seagrape Tree Replanting Initiative, aimed at restoring the historic seagrape treeline damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, is led by the Ministry of the Environment with funding from Unite BVI. The trees are named after Virgin Islanders who contributed to various sectors like environmental protection, education, and farming. The public can submit nominations for remaining trees until March 21. Future planting sessions will take place on March 23 and 29, 2025, with local residents and high school students encouraged to participate.
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Statement by Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE At the Official Celebration of Life for Dr. Robert Mathavious, OBE
Statement by Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE At the Official Celebration of Life for Dr. Robert Mathavious, OBE
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Premier's Message for Heroes and Foreparents Day
Message by Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley Premier of the Virgin Islands Heroes and Foreparents Day 20 October, 2025 People of the Virgin Islands, Today, we pause to honour the strength, courage, and vision of those whose shoulders we stand upon, our heroes and foreparents. Heroes and Foreparents Day is not simply a holiday; it is a sacred moment of remembrance and gratitude.
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Government Honours Farmers and Fishers at 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market
The Government of The Virgin Islands honoured outstanding farmers and fishers from across the Territory during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay, on Friday, 10 April 2026.
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Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026 to Bring Regional and International Tourism Leaders Together
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development will be hosting the Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026, a two-day event that will bring together tourism stakeholders, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and creatives to help shape the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands.
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Statement by Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio D Wheatley, on the Completion and Submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands Self-Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley announced the completion and submission of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Self-Assessment Report on the implementation of the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations. This report, along with the Governor’s final review and public submissions, will help the UK determine whether to lift the Order in Council which allows for potential direct rule. The Premier confirmed that 46 of 48 recommendations have been completed, with the remaining two requiring external constitutional or judicial action. He also introduced the Governance Reform Transition Plan to guide continued implementation and public education. Dr. Wheatley expressed gratitude to all involved and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to stronger self-governance and ongoing reform.
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Press Conference Statement Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, RA 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM 28th February, 2025
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change discussed his participation at the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for addressing shared challenges such as climate change, trade, crime, and security. CARICOM’s collective response to issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability was highlighted. The Deputy Premier also noted the discussions on technology and innovation, with an emphasis on the Virgin Islands’ potential in healthcare and digital education. CARICOM’s support for the Virgin Islands’ self-determination was reaffirmed, and he praised Martinique’s steps toward becoming an Associate Member of CARICOM. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Premier and the Territory at the meeting.
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Statement by Honourable Kye M. Rymer- Water as a National Critical Priority
Good day, Virgin Islands, On the nineteenth of June, I stood before you to declare water a national critical priority and to share the Government’s commitment to addressing the decades-long challenges in our water system. I acknowledged then, as I do now, the hardships our people and businesses continue to face with unreliable supply, and I said that action and not words would follow.
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Statement by Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer- Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Tenth Anniversary Celebration
Ten years ago today, on February 16, 2016, this waterfront area was transformed. On that day, it wasn't just that a pier opened, it was a new chapter for the Virgin Islands. Standing here a decade later, we can see that chapter has been one of progress and prosperity. Now, as we celebrate, I think it's important that we tell the full story, because this facility's history teaches us something valuable about who we are as a people. The vision for a modern cruise pier did not belong to any single government. It was built over time, by leaders who understood that when it comes to building our country, the work must continue regardless of who holds the mantle.
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Remarks by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley On the occasion of the the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, delivered remarks at the launch of the Virgin Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) on February 11, 2025. He emphasized the importance of protecting the Virgin Islands' natural environment, which is vital to the economy, resilience, and quality of life. He highlighted the threats to biodiversity, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, with specific mention of sand mining on Anegada and the decline of coral reefs and endangered species like the Virgin Islands Rock Iguana. The NBSAP aims to provide a clear framework for sustainable development, integrating conservation into national planning. Dr. Smith-Berkeley acknowledged the support of various partners, including the OECS, PC Consultants Ltd., Dr. Shannon Gore, and the EU’s BioSPACE Project, and called on all members of the community to take collective action for conservation.