Strengthening collaboration to advance gender equality in the Virgin Islands was the focus of a recent courtesy call between Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms. Tasha Bertie, and Gender and Equality Adviser at the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms. Claire Allan.The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss the mandate of the Office of Gender Affairs, key challenges affecting its work, and areas for strengthened par...

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), in support of the Office of the Deputy Governor, has executed a contract for demolition services at Estate House No. 2, formerly the Chief Minister’s residence, marking a key milestone in the ongoing revitalisation of the Government’s public estate.The project represents a deliberate and strategic step towards improving Government infrastructure while creating opportunities for future development. Demolition works are scheduled to begin...

One hundred and thirteen individuals were officially welcomed into the Virgin Islands family on 29 January, 2026, during a Belonger Status Ceremony held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Campus, Paraquita Bay.The ceremony, hosted by the Department of Immigration, marked the formal granting of Belonger Status in accordance with Section 16 of the Immigration and Passport Act. The Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the Virgin Islands, presented cer...

Honourable Julian Fraser, RA, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance, from 1st to 10th February 2026.Honourable Fraser's acting appointment is in accordance with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which states: "If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise t...

Premier of The Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, is participating in a  global forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that seeks to deliver tangible and high-impact outcomes for the sustainable development of the Greater Caribbean Region.The 10th Association of Caribbean States ACS International Cooperation Conference (ICC) is being held from 3rd – 4th February 2026, in the margins of the prestigious World Governments Summit. For the first time, the ICC is being convened on a g...

The Ministry of Communications and Works has commenced critical coastal protection and roadway improvement works along the Fort Recovery to Cox Heath corridor. This marks the first phase of the broader nine-mile road enhancement project stretching from the West End Ferry Terminal to Road Town. The initiative follows the signing of a fourteen million, eighty-eight thousand, six hundred and twenty dollars and two cents ($14,088,620.02). contract with Tortola Paving in December 2025.Initial works n...

The Governor’s Group and Constitutionally Established Departments will progress various pieces of legislation aimed at advancing governance, transparency and accountability in The Virgin Islands. During the Speech from the Throne on 13 January, His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce outlined the legislative agenda of the Public Service in 2026, highlighting ongoing work for the transformation of the Public Service.Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Sharleen DaBreo-...

The Premier of The Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, during a ceremony held to recognise Customs Officers, congratulated Acting Commissioner of Customs, Greg Romney, his leadership team and all officers on the beginning of another Customs Week. The awards ceremony was held on Sunday, 25th January, 2026.The awards were dispersed as follows:Junior Officer Basic Training:-Officer Nicola Noel-Top Performer Officer Jason Dunkley Officer Dillard FreemanOfficer Dominique PennOfficer S...