Local News
Premier Urges Public Engagement with Virgin Islands Crown Land Policy
Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, is calling on residents to actively participate in the ongoing public discussion surrounding the Virgin Islands Crown Land Policy.
Highlighting the importance of preserving land for public interest and ensuring accessibility to young individuals and families, Honourable Wheatley emphasized the significance of owning a part of their Virgin Islands legacy and creating generational wealth. He urged everyone to familiarize themselves with the policy and submit their ideas and concerns.
The policy encompasses various aspects, including the history of Crown Lands, the first-time homeownership program, commercial and agricultural land leases, and Crown Land application criteria.
Premier Wheatley emphasized the crucial role of Virgin Islanders in shaping the final framework for managing Crown lands, encouraging them to provide feedback and make their opinions heard.
The policy aims to protect the natural environment for present and future generations while conserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, particularly in regards to developments such as reclamations, docks, jetties, barge ramps, and seabed development.
Public consultations have already taken place in Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, West End, Tortola, and Road Town. Further meetings with residents of the East End/Long Look Community are planned for a later date.
The Virgin Islands Crown Land Policy can be accessed on the Government of the Virgin Islands portal at bvi.gov.vg. Residents are encouraged to provide their feedback via email to nrl@gov.vg.
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
