The July cohort of the 2025 BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme has concluded with enthusiastic reviews from student participants and praise from partner hospitality businesses. As the first month wrapped up, the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) welcomed the August group of interns with renewed excitement.Now in its second year, the BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme was launched by the BVITBFC in 2024 to provide hands-on training and exposure to various aspects of the tour...

The public is advised that Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley is acting in the office of Deputy Governor in the absence of Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr, who is out of the Territory.Dr. Berkeley will act as Deputy Governor until 17th August, 2025.Dr. Berkeley’s appointment is in accordance with section 36 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

The Department of Waste Management is celebrating the creativity and commitment of persons who work to enhance public spaces across the Virgin Islands.The department hosted its Annual Summer Beautification Programme ceremony on August 1 at the Sunday Morning Well where Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley praised the participants for their contribution to community pride and environmental stewardship. Minister Wheatley said, “When we take the time to care for ...

The public is advised that His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce will remain out of the Territory as he continues the necessary recovery following a minor operation.A statement on the Governor’s Facebook page read:‘I’ve been touched by the many kind messages and well wishes I received ahead of my recent surgery. I’m pleased to share that the operation to repair my shoulder was successful. However, my recovery is taking a little longer than expected, and I now anticipate returning to ...

In a continuing crackdown on violent crime, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officers this morning recovered a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol during a targeted operation at the Rise and Shine tramp. This seizure marks the second illegal firearm removed from circulation during this year's Emancipation celebrations.Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the officers involved, stating: "This seizure demonstrates the courageous and dedicated efforts of our officer...

Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) arrested an individual in possession of an illegal firearm in the early hours of 2 August 2025, following a targeted operation to maintain public safety during festival celebrations.The suspect was initially observed in the Festival Village area, where officers identified suspicious behaviour suggesting he might be armed. To ensure public safety, a tactical decision was made to monitor the individual until he moved to a less crowded loc...

The BVI Film Commission is proud to announce the successful completion of its Summer Film Academy Production Boot Camp — a week-long immersive training experience designed to equip aspiring local filmmakers with real-world production experience and industry mentorship.The Summer Film Academy Production Boot Camp, presented in collaboration with FaceForward Productions and hosted at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, welcomed participants aged 17 to 65 for an immersive, hands-on experience acro...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested and charged two males in connection with separate firearm recoveries during recent police operations in the Territory.A 17-year-old male of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License and Unlawful Possession of Explosives following the July 17 recovery of a loaded Glock 19 pistol during a response to suspicious activity in Road Town. The teen was one of two male juveniles intercepted during the operat...

Two students are participating in internships with Harneys Fiduciary and Ascentium Company as part of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development Partnership Programme. The students were placed at the firm following their successful completion of the Standard Workforce Readiness Training.Acting Labour Commissioner, Mr. Mervin Hastings said, “I am excited to see the private and public sectors collaboration for the benefit of the students and ultimately the community of the Virgin Islands....

When the ceremony to mark the proclamation of emancipation is held on Sunday at the Sunday Morning Well, BVI would have been 191 years into its practice of freedom.We will leave it to the historians to quibble about where and when the proclamation was first read.  Our concern is that it WAS read and that changed the course of history for the approximately 6,000 people who were enslaved in the BVI.The history tells us that the British saw it fit to compensate the slave owners for their economic l...

Brewers Bay, August Tuesday Cultural Festival Picnic

The 2025 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival is underway, and the Family and Juvenile Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), is urging the public to remain vigilant in safeguarding our youth, particularly from the dangers of underage drinking.Child safeguarding means taking proactive steps to protect children from harm, both intentional and unintentional, including exposure to substances that could threaten their health and safety.During the 2024 Festival, a troubling number of ...

The Glow Up ParadeShe stepped out with fire in her soul,Sun kissed skin and a heart made whole.Drums beat loud but couldn’t compete,With the power rising from her feet.No more chains of silent cries,She glows,she glitters, she is readyShe dances now under open skies.Past loves can watch but won’t disturb,She’s a symphony they’ll never unearth.Glittered with strength, feathers of pride,She no longer waits—she rides her tide.Each wine, each step, a sacred vow:“I choose me, I choose now.”She...

Change of placements for the 2025 Calypso Show Competition.

Private Island Resort Names Scarlett Steer as Real Estate & Business Development Manager, Alex Karageorgiadis as Director of Operations and Rasheed Oladele Olalekan as Director of Engineering

The Ministry of Health continues to spread the message of medicine safety by empowering the community through education.Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith said the role of educating the public regarding pharmaceuticals is of high priority for her office and that she believes that the complexities of pharmaceutical care can only be navigated through education and information sharing.Mrs. Wheatley-Smith said, “To this end we have designed a number of resources ...

Manager of the Customer Service Care Centre (CSCC) Ms. Abbarah Brown was awarded the Stephanie Benn Award for Customer Service Excellence during a Customer Service Star Membership Club Pinning Ceremony.  The Stephanie Benn Award for Excellence in Customer Service is dedicated to the honour of the late former Registrar General, Mrs. Stephanie Benn, who passed away in October 2022. The award is presented annually to the public officer who received the most individual commendations in the prior yea...

We are confusing the children.  Our words do not match our actions and that makes it extremely difficult.I was heartened to learn that, at the level of the Cabinet, the people’s business continues although there are those who still refuse to attend Cabinet meetings once the Deputy Governor, in his capacity as Acting Governor, is presiding.It is an issue, we thought, was put to bed long ago.Chapter 3 of the 2007 Constitution Order, Sections 35-40, deals with the powers and functions of the Gover...

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (Commission) is pleased to share that it participated in the 40th Annual CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition, held from July 12 to 17, 2025, in Nassau, The Bahamas.The Commission’s delegation included Chairman Mr. Vance Lewis, Commissioner Mr. Wendell Gaskin, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Guy L. Malone, and Human Resources Manager Mrs. Denise Stoutt-Johnney. They joined regional regulators, telecommunications providers, government officials, and indu...

Ms. Tisa Donovan has received high commendation as the first VI national to have graduated and received a Master’s Degree from an Asia university as part of the BVI /Asia Scholarship programme.Miss Danovan was recognised at a ceremony last week hosted by the Premier’s Office in conjunction with the Hong Kong Asia Office. Present students and newly enrolled students were also officially congratulated and highlighted.Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley congratulate...