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BVIAA Commemorates Naomi Onwufuju’s Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism Achievement
The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) marked a historic moment for the Virgin Islands as they celebrated Naomi Onwufuju’s crowning as the Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Youth Congress. Ms. Onwufuju is the very first Virgin Islands Ambassador to attain this prestigious designation.
The event, held in the Turks and Caicos Islands, saw Ms. Onwufuju competing against representatives from 14 other Caribbean islands and emerging as the first Virgin Islands Ambassador to secure this prestigious title.
The BVIAA ceremony held at the TB Lettsome International Airport was attended by Junior Minister of Tourism Honourable Luce Smith, representatives of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Authority’s Sole Shareholder, the Director of Tourism, and members of the Authority’s Board and executive team.
During her presentation at the 2023 Regional Tourism Conference, Ms. Onwufuju highlighted the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands and emphasized that it is not just any tourist destination, but a paradise that should be enjoyed by all. She emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating that it is not only a responsible tourism policy but also a moral obligation.
Honourable Luce Smith commended Ms. Onwufuju for her composed demeanor during the competition and her eloquent responses to the mystery questions. The Junior Minister also took the opportunity to recognise the unwavering support of Ms. Onwufuju’s family, teacher, and the BVI Tourist Board, whose dedicated efforts played a significant role in preparing her for this momentous achievement.
Dr. Drexel Glasgow, Deputy Financial Secretary, expressed his elation at witnessing the Virgin Islands’ triumph on the regional stage. He commended Ms. Onwufuju for her unwavering commitment and hard work, stating, “It is truly gratifying to see the Virgin Islands shine on this platform. We have high expectations for Ms. Onwufuju’s future endeavors and wish her the best as she continues to progress.”
Mr. Kurt Menal, Managing Director at the BVI Airports Authority, offered her an internship opportunity during school breaks and emphasised the crucial role that airports play in the tourism infrastructure and encouraged young people to consider pursuing careers in this field. He stated, “The BVI Airports Authority is wholeheartedly committed to inspiring other young individuals in the Virgin Islands to become ambassadors for tourism. I urge you to look to Ms. Onwufuju’s remarkable journey as a testament to what one can achieve with vision and persistence.”
Director of Tourism, Mr. Clive McCoy, celebrated Ms. Onwufuju’s victory and underscored its significance for the Territory and its thriving tourism industry. Mr. McCoy expressed his confidence that this win marks the beginning of a winning streak for the Virgin Islands, stating, “We are determined to bring home the title every year going forward.” He also acknowledged the hardworking and dedicated team at the BVI Tourist Board, who played an instrumental role in assisting Ms. Onwufuju with her preparations for this historic achievement.
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Theodore Burke, acknowledged tourism as the lifeblood of the Virgin Islands and praised Ms. Onwufuju’s role in promoting the Territory as a top-notch destination. He expressed his belief that her efforts will undoubtedly boost tourism and transform the Virgin Islands’ airports into the gateway to exciting adventures, relaxation, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.
Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, representing the Ministry of Communications and Works, also spoke at the event, highlighting the collective pride felt by the government in Ms. Onwufuju’s outstanding accomplishment.
The BVI Airports Authority also recognized their stakeholders, Seven-Fourteen Cafe and Silver Airlines, for their generous contributions to Ms. Onwufuju for her accomplishments.
The British Virgin Islands Airports Authority is responsible for managing and operating the airports of the British Virgin Islands. Their mission is to ensure the accessibility and convenience of air travel to and from the British Virgin Islands, promote tourism, and provide an exceptional travel experience for visitors and residents alike.
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First Cohort of BVI Care Certificate Graduates as Territory Moves to Standardise Health and Social Care Training
Nineteen care professionals from across the British Virgin Islands have completed the Territory’s inaugural Care Certificate programme, marking a significant step towards standardised, quality care in both public and private health and social service sectors.
Nineteen participants—14 women and five men—completed the 16-week programme, which included face-to-face and online training sessions, independent study, practical demonstrations, and formal assessments. The Care Certificate was developed by Skills for Care, Health Education England, and Skills for Health, and has been adapted for the British Virgin Islands through the UK Health Security Agency’s Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme.
The graduates represented a wide range of care settings, including the BVI Health Services Authority (8), the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly (4), the Rainbow Children’s Home (2), the Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly (2), and the Social Development Department’s Home Care Programme (3).
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, delivered congratulatory remarks at a brief graduation ceremony hosted by the Ministry. “This achievement is not just personal—it has direct impact on the health service delivery across the Territory,” he told the graduates.
Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Coordinator, Ms Jascinth Hannibal, emphasised the importance of the achievement. “Today, we do not simply celebrate achievement. We celebrate the birth of a new era in caregiving. You, our graduates, are pioneers in a programme created to instil excellence and affirm the dignity of service,” she said.
Ms Hannibal noted that the graduates bring with them a broad spectrum of professional experience, ranging from less than five years to over three decades. “The exchange of experiences within this group was nothing short of inspiring. I’ve learnt as much from you as you have from the programme,” she said.
She also underscored the responsibilities that come with certification. “Graduation does not mean you drop the ball. It means you are now held to a higher standard. You may even be called upon to guide and mentor others, or to serve as future assessors,” Ms Hannibal added.
Each participant will receive a Care Certified Badge and a certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Health and Social Development. The Care Certificate sets out defined standards for knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of care professionals in their daily work and is expected to become the baseline requirement for all non-regulated personnel entering the health and social care workforce in the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to building a skilled and compassionate care workforce and enhancing public health standards throughout the Territory.
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In response to growing public concern over the status of emergency medical services on Virgin Gorda, the Minister for Health and Social Development and Ninth District Representative, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, issued a formal statement Friday confirming that the island’s ambulance is “fully operational” and currently in service.
“There was a brief period when the ambulance underwent routine servicing,” Minister Wheatley said. “During that time, contingency measures were implemented to ensure uninterrupted emergency response capabilities.”
Hon. Vincent Wheatley
Though he did not detail what those measures entailed, Minister Wheatley emphasized that emergency medical readiness was never compromised. He also extended thanks to the residents of Virgin Gorda for their patience during the temporary maintenance period.
The Minister’s statement follows a wave of concern across social media and in local circles about the island’s preparedness to handle medical emergencies, particularly in light of its geographic separation from the territory’s main hospital on Tortola.
“The safety and well-being of all residents remain our highest priority,” Wheatley stated. “We are committed to ensuring that Virgin Gorda, and all our Sister Islands, continue to receive the emergency medical services they rightfully deserve.”
Residents with questions regarding medical services have been encouraged to contact the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda or the BVI Health Services Authority directly.
This update comes as the territory continues to assess and strengthen healthcare services across its Sister Islands, many of which rely on limited resources and face logistical challenges due to inter-island travel and infrastructure constraints.
Minister Wheatley concluded his statement by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and prompt communication when it comes to critical public services.
Liburd erases Ashley Kelly’s 400m record; Croal ranks 6th globally in 200m
Athletes from the British Virgin Islands made history at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships First-Round held in Jacksonville, Florida this week, setting new national records in the 400m and 200m events.
On 29 May, Kaelyaah Liburd ran 51.43 seconds in the women’s 400 metres, establishing a new BVI national record and qualifying for the second round of competition scheduled for 31 May. The performance breaks the previous mark of 51.63 seconds, set by Ashley Kelly, OLY, on 8 July 2017 at the Tru Fit Miami Invitational.
One day later, on 30 May, Jaleel Croal delivered a standout performance in the men’s 200 metres, clocking 19.95 seconds at the NCAA East Prelims. The result set a new BVI national record and currently ranks Croal sixth in the world for the 2025 outdoor season in the event.
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