DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR LAUNCHES TRAINING ON NEW LABOUR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Today marks the commencement of training on the new Labour Management System for the staff of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development. The training, estimated to last over the next two weeks, signals a significant milestone in the modernization efforts of the department. The announcement was made last Friday by Deputy Premier and Minister … Continued

GOVERNOR UPHOLDS PRESS FREEDOM, TRANSPARENCY

Governor Daniel Pruce reaffirmed his commitment to supporting a free press and freedom of information while addressing the media in observance of World Press Freedom Day. In his remarks, the Governor stressed the integral role journalists play in ensuring transparency and accountability from governments, as well as upholding the democratic principles of free speech. The … Continued

SENIOR CITIZENS’ MONTH COMMENCES WITH CELEBRATORY CHURCH SERVICE

The month of May heralds the beginning of Senior Citizens’ Month in the British Virgin Islands, as residents gathered on Wednesday, May 1, to mark the occasion with a special church service commemorating its 35th anniversary. Distinguished dignitaries, including Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Deputy Premier Honourable Lorna Smith, Minister … Continued

VI RESIDENTS URGED TO PARTICIPATE AS CENSUS CHALLENGES PERSIST

Virgin Islanders are being reminded of the critical importance of participating in the ongoing census, as challenges continue to slow down the data collection process across the Territory. In a recent interview, Director of the Central Statistics Office Raymond Phillips reflected on the prevailing situation and underscored why complete and accurate census data is vital. … Continued

GREEN VI CULTIVATES FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE LESSONS THROUGH SCHOOL GARDENS

In a major milestone for environmental education and sustainable agriculture in the Virgin Islands, Green VI, through the BVI SMART Schools Project has successfully established vibrant gardens at several schools across the Virgin Islands. The project is funded through an over €1.3 million allocation from the European Union’s Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) … Continued

PREMIER WHEATLEY SIGNS BVI INITIATION PLAN WITH UNDP

Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley has formalized a new partnership between the Virgin Islands and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by signing the BVI Initiation Plan. Four key focus areas were identified: 1. The Blue Economy 2. The Digital Economy   3. Governance and Sustainability 4. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Through the Initiation Plan, … Continued

GOV’T MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE, PLEDGES CONTINUED PROGRESS

Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley marked his administration’s first year in office on Wednesday with a statement reflecting on the challenges and accomplishments over the past 12 months and reaffirming his commitment to building a sustainable future for the Virgin Islands. Addressing the territory, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the obstacles faced, including securing post-disaster recovery resources, … Continued

NEW CRUISE LINES, ECONOMIC DATA COMING FOR BVI CRUISE TOURISM

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer provided an update on the territory’s cruise tourism sector following his attendance at the recent Seatrade Global Conference.  A key announcement was that the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is expected to deliver an updated economic impact study focused on cruise passenger spending patterns in the British Virgin … Continued

GOVERNMENT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BILL

The government is calling on residents to review and provide feedback on the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill, 2024 currently open for public consultation.  The Bill outlines provisions to establish the VI Human Rights Commission, detailing its powers, functions, and composition. As drafted, the Commission would consist of five commissioners with equal gender representation, including … Continued

PREMIER DEFENDS CRUISE TOURISM’S VALUE TO VI ECONOMY

Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley pushed back against the notion that the cruise industry provides little economic benefit to the Virgin Islands. Recent calls from the Opposition and some residents urged the government to prioritize overnight tourism over the celebrated growth in cruise arrivals. However, in remarks made in a recent sitting of the House … Continued