The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs successfully hosted its final Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Award Ceremony for 2025 on Friday, 19 December, in Road Town, reaffirming the Government of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable business development.
The Premier addresses the economic challenges the Virgin Islands faces due to global turbulence, particularly impacting the Caribbean. He announces changes to the Government to strengthen the response to these challenges. The Honourable Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE, will return to the Government as Minister of State for Financial Services and Economic Development, responsible for financial services, economic diversification, investment, trade, and climate finance. The Honourable Karl Dawson will step down as Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries but will continue to support the Premier in these areas and be nominated as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Premier of The Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, appeared before the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee on Wednesday, 11th February to give evidence as part of its review of the 2023 UK–Overseas Territories Joint Declaration. The document is a framework for a "modern partnership" based on shared democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law between the UK and its Overseas Territories.
Today is a day that will long be remembered in the annals of Virgin Islands history. Today is the day that what has been known as the Order in Council is lifted. And our hopes, dreams, and aspirations are lifted along with it.
Good day, my fellow Virgin Islanders. I speak to you today not just as Minister responsible for alternative energy but as your neighbour — someone who cares deeply about the places we call home, the children we raise here, and the future we will leave them. A greener, more resilient, and energy-independent future for the Virgin Islands is within our reach.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will host its annual Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament on December 12th and 13th at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, bringing together young thinkers from across the Territory for two days of competition, strategy, and academic enrichment.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has formally commissioned the Long Swamp Sewerage Pump Station, a major milestone in delivering a long awaited sewerage system for the East End and Long Look communities. The commissioning ties together three of four key project pillars, the Long Swamp collection hub, the transmission mains, and the repaired Paraquita Bay treatment plant, and begins the commissioning and testing phase ahead of full system operation.
Fourteen secondary school students from across the Virgin Islands have successfully completed the Street Doctors training programme, an initiative designed to empower young people to become peer leaders, positive influencers, and advocates for safer communities.
On June 12, 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands signed a US$370,000 contract with Trojan Design and Development Ltd for the design and construction management of a new 12,000 sq. ft. Immigration Detention Centre. Funded through a $100 million loan facility with CIBC and led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) in partnership with the Ministry of Financial Services, the project aims to strengthen national security while upholding human rights standards. The modern facility will provide secure, humane accommodations for detainees and include medical, recreational, and operational spaces. Officials highlighted the project's importance to immigration reform and national development, with construction seen as both urgent and transformative.
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.