The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) hosted its 3rd Annual Career Fair from April 8–10, 2025, offering a dynamic, hands-on experience to students, job seekers, and professionals. Highlights included a Mock Interview Day on April 9 and the main Career Fair event on April 10, where participants engaged directly with top employers across various industries. The fair aimed to boost career readiness through real-world interactions, resume building, and networking opportunities. HLSCC emphasized the event as a key step in workforce empowerment and career development for the Virgin Islands community.
The British Virgin Islands has introduced revised Financial Sanctions Guidelines, effective from December 31, 2024. These guidelines provide comprehensive instructions for individuals, businesses, and financial institutions to comply with international sanctions. Key updates include asset freezing obligations, reporting requirements, and revisions to licensing procedures. The Virgin Islands Sanctions Unit oversees compliance and inquiries. A virtual session will be held to further guide stakeholders, and the updated guidelines are available on the FSC and FIA websites.
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.
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.
On May 13, 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands signed a $224,639.60 contract with Alvair Limited for consultancy services related to the engineering design and construction management of water mains and civil works for the Farmers’ Reservoir at Paraquita Bay. This 30-month project, led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) and funded by the Government with the Premier’s Office as Ministry Partner, aims to address the long-standing water access issues affecting local farmers and enhance food security in the Territory. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the importance of moving from discussion to action to support agricultural productivity. RDA CEO Anthony McMaster highlighted the project’s economic and strategic value, encouraging local engagement as the initiative progresses.
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.
Brewers Bay, August Tuesday Cultural Festival Picnic
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.
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.
Three years ago, when we began this journey, I encouraged you to give more, to get change.