Qualified Companies Invited to Bid for Contract to Maintain Beaches at Jost Van Dyke The Government of the Virgin Islands is accepting bids to award a contract for the maintenance of beaches at Great Harbour and White Bay, located on Jost Van Dyke, for a period of one year.
Premier Dr. The Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley addressed the inauguration of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine in the Virgin Islands on March 24, 2025. He emphasized that this marks a significant milestone for the territory's healthcare and education sectors. For the first time, students can study medicine locally at an internationally accredited institution, with the program starting on July 28, 2025. The medical school will offer affordable education, provide scholarships, and contribute to the local economy through increased tourism, air connectivity, and job creation. Premier Wheatley also highlighted the long-term benefits of the school’s establishment, such as improving healthcare, supporting edu-tourism, and creating future growth opportunities in various sectors.
The release of the recent Auditor General’s report has prompted significant public discussion, particularly around the adjustments made to the compensation of elected Members of the House of Assembly. The level of public interest underscores the importance of transparency and clear communication regarding the decisions taken, the rationale behind them, and the processes that were followed.
Minister for Education Honourable Sharie B. deCastro has praised RiteWay Food Markets for its ongoing partnership with the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre (EHRLC) during the school’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony. The partnership, through the school’s apprenticeship programme launched in 2024, supports students with special needs by providing hands-on work experience. Two graduates have since been offered employment at RiteWay. The initiative highlights the ministry’s commitment to inclusive education and its broader vision for education transformation under the “Full STEAM Ahead” theme. Businesses are encouraged to follow RiteWay’s example and support inclusive workforce development.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has reported twenty confirmed cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the Virgin Islands between February 12 and 27. Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges, noted that the number may be underreported. The virus spreads through contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluids, and fecal matter. To prevent further spread, the ministry advises frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and keeping infected people home until symptoms subside. The Environmental Health Division has inspected 85% of daycares and preschools for 2025. HFMD is generally mild, but proper hygiene is essential to reduce transmission.
BVI Finance, in partnership with the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, is bringing back the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme for 2025. The program offers BVI students work experience in the financial services industry, aiming to develop future professionals. The internship runs from May to September 2025 and is open to local and international students studying in related fields such as accounting, banking, law, and marketing. Applications open from February 3rd to 28th, 2025. For more information, contact Shamahl A. Smith.
As Premier of the Virgin Islands, I was pleased to visit London for a series of productive engagements with the United Kingdom Government, Members of Parliament, and fellow leaders of the Overseas Territories, focused on governance reform, the fight against illicit finance, and the shared priorities of the Territories.
Book Clubs to be Launched on Tortola, Anegada and Virgin Gorda (Activities as Part of Culture and Tourism Month) As part of the activities for Culture and Tourism Month, being celebrated under theme: "Rooted in Culture, Growing through Tourism," the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Public Library Service, will be introducing book clubs on Tortola, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda.
Mr. Brian A. Davis has been appointed as Director of the Department of Waste Management effective 1st December 2025. Mr. Davis brings to the post more than twenty-five years of extensive technical, engineering, and senior management experience within the Virgin Islands Public Service. His career spans several key Government departments, including the Water and Sewerage Department, the Public Works Department, and the Ministry of Communications and Works.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) is pleased to announce the commencement of works under the Derelict Vessels Removal & Disposal Project, which will see the extraction of 28 abandoned and deteriorated marine vessels from the Sea Cows Bay Harbour.