Local News
Premier Wheatley To Attend CARICOM Heads Of Government Meeting
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley has confirmed his attendance at the 45th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from July 3 to 5.
The meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, will take place in Trinidad and Tobago.
Premier Wheatley’s attendance is aimed at advancing intraregional trade and policy coordination, with a focus on safeguarding the socio-economic and political interests of the British Virgin Islands.
“The Virgin Islands has been an Associate Member of Caricom for 32 years. Our Associate Membership is a crucial means of engaging in regional cooperation that benefits our Territory in various ways, including the strong political support we have received in recent years,” stated the territory’s Finance Minister.
He further added that “it is essential for the Virgin Islands to be present, demonstrating our solidarity with our neighbors and seeking solutions to regional challenges such as transportation and food security.”
Accompanying the Premier will be his Special Envoy Benito Wheatley, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Dwynel Davis, and Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Xyrah Wheatley.
Caricom consists of fifteen member states and five associated states, including the British Virgin Islands.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Lorna G. Smith, OBE, will serve as acting Premier and Minister of Finance until July 6.
Education
Friendly Competition Sparks Unity Between Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools
As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.
“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”
With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.
International
UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts
Business
Flow BVI Appoints Maria De Grads as First Female General Manager
Flow British Virgin Islands has welcomed Maria De Grads as its new General Manager, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s 58-year history, effective October 1. The announcement was made by C&W Communications, the parent company of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, which operates throughout the Caribbean.
Maria De Grads, a telecommunications veteran from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brings over 21 years of experience in the industry. Her appointment has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Flow BVI. Susana O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at C&W Communications, expressed confidence in De Grads’ leadership: “Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering teams will be instrumental in driving Flow BVI forward as we continue to innovate and deepen our connection to the BVI community.”
De Grads has held a variety of roles within C&W Communications since joining Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004. Her previous positions include Commercial Lead for the Southern Caribbean markets, which covered St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados. She has also served as Commercial Manager and Product Executive, gaining expertise in growth strategy, customer care, and human resource management. In her most recent role as Senior Manager for Commercial Operations in the South Caribbean, she was responsible for spearheading plans that drove customer acquisition and revenue growth.
“I am deeply honored to become the General Manager of Flow BVI, and being the first woman to step into this role makes it even more meaningful,” said De Grads. “I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to deliver innovative services, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the development of the BVI. Together, we’ll build on Flow’s strong legacy and ensure we remain at the forefront of connectivity in the Territory.”
De Grads holds an associate degree in business management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Edinburgh.
This new leadership is expected to further strengthen Flow BVI’s position as a leading provider of telecommunication services in the British Virgin Islands, offering cutting-edge solutions to both consumers and businesses.
About C&W Communications:
C&W Communications, part of Liberty Latin America, is a comprehensive communications and entertainment provider serving over 20 markets in the Caribbean. It offers video, broadband, mobile, and telephony services, along with IT solutions for business and government clients through its business division.
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