ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Residents across the Virgin Islands are being encouraged to take a proactive approach to their health as the Ministry of Health and Social Development prepares to host the BVI Wellness Fest 2026 on Saturday, November 7.
The event will take place at Queen Elizabeth II Park from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., bringing together individuals, families and community groups for a day centred on healthy living, disease prevention and overall wellbeing.
Organised as part of the Ministry’s ongoing BVI Moves initiative, the Wellness Fest will offer a range of activities and opportunities designed to encourage residents to take greater responsibility for their health. These will include physical activities, healthy eating demonstrations and education, health screenings, mental wellness initiatives and community engagement, alongside entertainment and family-friendly fun.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, said the initiative is intended to encourage people to prioritise their health before medical problems arise.
“Too often, we begin thinking seriously about our health when something goes wrong. Wellness asks us to think differently. It encourages us to make choices today that can help protect our health tomorrow,” Honourable Wheatley said.
Prevention and early intervention remain key
Non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and certain cancers, continue to affect individuals and families throughout the Territory. While some risk factors cannot be changed, many can be managed or reduced through healthier lifestyle choices, regular screening and early intervention.
The Minister emphasised that improving one’s health does not necessarily require major or immediate lifestyle changes. Small, consistent decisions can make a meaningful difference over time.
“Wellness can begin with one small decision. It may be taking a walk after work, drinking more water, adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, getting your blood pressure checked or simply making time to rest,” he said.
The message reinforces the importance of making healthy choices part of everyday life, rather than waiting until illness develops before taking action.
More than a traditional health fair
The Ministry says the BVI Wellness Fest is designed to be an interactive experience, giving residents opportunities to participate, learn and discover practical ways to improve their wellbeing.
Honourable Wheatley noted that the event is intended to go beyond the format of a conventional health fair.
“We seek to create an interactive environment where residents can move, learn, connect, ask questions and discover practical approaches to wellness that fit their lives,” the Minister said.
Through the BVI Moves initiative, the Ministry continues to promote healthier lifestyles and encourage residents to become more active participants in managing their physical and mental health.
The November 7 event will provide an opportunity for residents to engage with health information, explore preventive care and identify realistic changes they can incorporate into their daily routines.
Individuals, families, workplaces and community organisations are encouraged to attend and take part in the activities.
“Come as you are. Find something that works for you and take something home that can improve your health. Together, we can build a healthier Virgin Islands, one choice, one step and one person at a time,” Honourable Wheatley said.
With the BVI Wellness Fest, the Ministry hopes to reinforce a simple but important message: taking care of one’s health begins with the choices made every day.