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Government House Hosts Greenest King’s Birthday Party
Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency Mr. Daniel Pruce, hosted His Majesty The King’s Birthday Party on Wednesday, June 11, at Government House, Tortola. The event honored King Charles III’s birthday and highlighted his commitment to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact through the use of bamboo utensils, reduced plastics, and recycled decorations. Over 300 guests attended, including first-time invitees such as youth workers, Chevening scholars, and non-profit representatives. The evening also celebrated royal honours recipients and featured musical performances by students from Cedar School. Governor Pruce described the event as a meaningful tribute to the King’s environmental leadership and a celebration of community spirit.
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Public Urged to Prepare for Possible Storms and Hurricanes
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been off to a slow start, which presents an opportunity for residents to prepare for the possibility of rapidly developing storms or hurricanes later this summer, said Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn.
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VISTS and ESHS to Compete for Debate Championship Title
The Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) and Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) have advanced to the final round of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debate after winning their semi-final matches on February 26. VISTS defeated St. George’s Secondary School (SGSS) in the first semi-final, debating the moot "Year-Round Tourism: Is it Achievable and Sustainable?" VISTS argued in favor, presenting data on year-round tourism, while SGSS opposed, citing infrastructure concerns and the need for downtime. In the second semi-final, ESHS won against Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) on the moot "Mental Health Services Should Be Mandated in All Educational Institutions in the Virgin Islands." ESHS opposed the moot, arguing it would strain the education budget and citing existing services as sufficient, while BFEC argued for mandatory mental health support for students. Both teams received feedback from adjudicators and will compete in the final debate on March 12 for the title of Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Champion.
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Human Rights Commission Bill Consultation Meetings Announced
The Office of the Deputy Governor announced that the public consultation on the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 will begin on March 12. The Bill proposes the creation of an independent commission to investigate human rights violations in the Virgin Islands. The consultation seeks public input on the Bill, which will establish a Human Rights Commission to receive complaints, including those against public officers or private companies. The meetings will be held on March 12 in Tortola, March 13 in Virgin Gorda, March 18 in Anegada, and March 19 in Jost Van Dyke. The public can also submit written feedback online.
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Retirees Honoured at Annual Recognition Ceremony
147 public officers who retired from 2020-2022 were recently honoured at a ceremony on Saturday 23rd May, 2026 held under the theme “Planted in Service, Blooming with Honour.”
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119 Naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens
119 individuals became British Overseas Territories Citizens during two naturalisation ceremonies held on March 25 and 28 at Government House. Governor Daniel Pruce, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, and Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro welcomed and congratulated the new citizens, emphasizing the importance of citizenship, community, and shared values in the Virgin Islands.
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Remarks by Honorable Julian Fraser Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Government of the Virgin Islands as Outgoing Chairperson of the Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability
Hon. Julian Fraser, Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change of the Virgin Islands, delivered remarks as the outgoing Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability at its 12th meeting in Antigua & Barbuda. He thanked the Government of Antigua & Barbuda and welcomed Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph as the new Chair. Reflecting on the past term, he highlighted the region’s vulnerability to climate change, notably the impact of Hurricane Beryl, and emphasized the need for urgent and focused action. He expressed gratitude for regional cooperation and pledged support for the Council’s continued work under the 2025 theme: “Staying the Course in Perilous Times: Sustainable Transformation and Resilient Prosperity.”
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Honourable Lorna G. Smith, Obe Statement During Special Announcement
The speaker emphasizes the importance of unity, responsibility, and commitment to service for the future of the Virgin Islands. They highlight their dedication to securing a resilient economy, with a focus on financial services and creating opportunities for Virgin Islanders. The speaker also discusses their efforts, such as a Financial Services Bootcamp, and their role in fostering business growth, attracting investment, and supporting local communities. They accept the role out of duty, not personal ambition, and are committed to working together for the prosperity of the country.
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122 Persons Naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens
122 persons have been naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens following two ceremonies held at Government House on Tuesday 24th February, 2026.
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Statement By Premier Of The Virgin Islands Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley on the Special Announcement
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.