Local News
Premier Natalio Wheatley Pledges Diaspora Policy
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley has promised to look into developing a diaspora policy to engage British Virgin Islanders living abroad in the development of their homeland.
He made the pledge during a meeting with Virgin Islander and students studying in the United Kingdom on Monday, May 8 at the British Virgin Islands London Office.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Lorna Smith, OBE and Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Sharie de Castro also attended the social function.
A government statement said Premier Wheatley “acknowledged that there are a large number of trained Virgin Islanders in various disciplines throughout the world and looked forward to developing a structured way in which they can be engaged to address various challenges in the Territory.”
The release added that Wheatley said he remains “committed to the development of Virgin Islands population locally and abroad, through active dialogue, engagement and the facilitation of programmes and policies aimed at socio-economic advancement.”
Topics discussed included advancements in the education curriculum, incentives for Virgin Islanders to return home, assistance for persons with dementia, specialist healthcare needs, the cost of living, the use of artificial intelligence for solving crime, and the referendum on same sex marriages.
The students who attended the function are pursuing various disciplines, including Law, Government and Political Science, Marine Engineering, and Science.
Virgin Islanders also took the opportunity to congratulate Wheatley on the formation of his new administration and wished him.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
