The Civil Registry and Passport Office has completed a two-week inter-agency consultation, held in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), aimed at strengthening civil registration systems in The Virgin Islands.

Held from 17- 28 August, the engagement brought together government agencies and stakeholders in a collaborative process facilitated by PAHO and PAHO-contracted consultant, Mr. Peter Ricketts. Participants examined key aspects of the civil registration framework, including existing systems and procedures, inter-agency coordination, data quality, timeliness, and opportunities for further strengthening the registration of vital events and the production of reliable statistics.

Registrar General Mrs. Tashi O'Flaherty Maduro highlighted the importance of the discussions and its impact across agencies. She said, "Engagements like these are key to strengthening the work of both the Civil Registry and Passport Office and the other agencies that rely on similar data. A robust and effective civil registration system is essential to ensuring the accurate and timely registration of vital events, while also providing critical data to support national development planning, public policy, public health interventions, and the effective delivery of government services.”

During the two weeks, attendees examined existing strengths against current challenges and developed joint recommendations to support a more coordinated, efficient, and responsive civil registration system for the Territory.

The Government of the Virgin Islands extends its appreciation to PAHO, the contracted consultant, participating government agencies, and all stakeholders who contributed their time, expertise, and commitment throughout the consultation process.