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VI Government Partners with BBAC for Festivities Initiative
Brewers Bay, August Tuesday Cultural Festival Picnic
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VI Youth Shines at OECS Agriculture Meeting in Costa Rica
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.
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Junior Minister Hodge-Smith Highlights Activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025
Junior Minister Hodge-Smith Highlights Activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025 Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, has announced a dynamic lineup of activities for Culture and Tourism Month 2025, which is being observed under the theme “Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Tourism.”
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National Hero H. Lavity Stoutt’s Legacy To Be Honoured In Concert
The Government of the Virgin Islands will honor the late H. Lavity Stoutt in a concert on March 2, marking the 25th anniversary of his commemorative celebration and second since his elevation to National Hero status. The event, titled "Heroes Live Forever: The H. Lavity Stoutt Concert," will be held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus at 6:00 p.m. The concert will feature performances from local artists and seek to raise funds for the college. A special presentation will be made by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley to those who have contributed to honoring Stoutt. The celebrations also include a National Wreath Laying Ceremony on March 3 at Cappoons Bay Cemetery.
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Public Service Debt Report for the Second Quarter of 2025
The Government of the Virgin Islands (GoVI) currently holds fifteen standard loans with four creditors: three domestic (CIBC Caribbean, Republic Bank, and the Social Security Board) and one external (Caribbean Development Bank). Domestic debt totals $71.77 million (47.1% of total debt), while external debt with CDB accounts for $80.49 million (52.9%). Most of the debt (79.2%, or $120.62 million) carries floating interest rates, primarily with SSB, CIBC, and CDB, while the remaining 20.8% ($31.64 million) is fixed-rate debt held across all creditors.
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Francis Lettsome Wins Inter-Primary School Athletics Championship for the Third Year
The 2025 Inter-Primary Schools Track and Field Championships concluded with Francis Lettsome Primary School winning the best primary school title for the third consecutive year. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, took place from March 26 to 28 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and featured various races, including 300m, 100m relays, and Sprint Medley Relay finals. Acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ms. Shaunice Leonard, congratulated the 21 participating schools and highlighted the championships as a platform to nurture future athletic talent. Individual champions in each division were announced, with Earlon Prescott, Janaicy Gumbs, Kaylaun Douglas, Shanae Benjamin, and Ke'Mori Daway among the top scorers. The titles of Victor and Victrix Ludorum were shared by multiple athletes with 30 points each. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports continues to support sports and recreation to enrich the lives of Virgin Islands residents.
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Meet the Minister’ Initiative- an Investment in System Transformation
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie de Castro, emphasized that the ‘Meet the Minister’ Initiative, launched in 2022, is a purposeful effort to build strong relationships and transform the education system in the Virgin Islands. Speaking at the House of Assembly, she highlighted how the programme has improved the ministry’s insight into critical needs, guided policy-making, and strengthened support for teachers and schools. Rejecting the notion that it is merely a public relations effort, de Castro reaffirmed the importance of collaboration across all education stakeholders. She confirmed the initiative’s continuation into the next school year, aiming to create a resilient and inclusive education system that empowers teachers and ensures every student’s success.
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Contract Signed For Solar Technology Energy Programme
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley highlighted the Solar Technology Energy Programme (S.T.E.P.) as a key initiative for sustainable energy in the Virgin Islands. The program, led by the Ministry of Communications and Works, installs solar panels and inverters to reduce energy costs by up to 50% for participants. The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) covers all upfront costs, and customers can earn credits for excess energy sold back to the grid. Minister Kye M. Rymer emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable energy, investing $1 million in the initiative. Future phases will explore additional solar technologies.
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20 Achievements in Education Outlined in 2025 Territorial Address
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced a five-year strategic staffing plan that will add over 80 key positions to schools across the Virgin Islands, alongside a $2.5 million investment for critical upgrades including infrastructure repairs, safety enhancements, and new security systems. The government has also invested in modern classroom technology and teacher training to foster creativity and retain talent. Highlighting education initiatives like STEAM curriculum improvements, the Mathivated Project, and the Let’s Teach VI program, the Premier emphasized the importance of preparing future generations while honoring the Territory’s legacy, all framed within the 2025 Territorial Address theme of building a sustainable nation.
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Gun Violence Highlighted as Primary Crime Concern in Virgin Islands Ahead of Inaugural Anti-Crime Summit
Crime in the Virgin Islands has risen by 13 percent over the past year, based on a comparison of the period from January to July, according to Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mr. Kenrick Davis, who confirmed that gun violence remains a major concern, but domestic violence is the leading contributor to the overall increase in reported crimes.