Local News
Census Deadline Extended to June 30
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has officially extended the deadline for the ongoing census exercise to June 30. Originally slated for 2020, the census had faced unavoidable delays due to the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CSO is urging citizens to take advantage of this extended period to contribute to the census, emphasizing the significance of every individual’s input in shaping the country’s future policies and resource allocation. The census, a pivotal tool for understanding demographic trends and planning public services, plays a vital role in steering government initiatives.
Minister Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, responsible for statistical services under the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade, issued a heartfelt plea to the community in a June 2023 statement, stressing the critical importance of participation in this year’s census, operating under the theme: “Participation from you and me, is the key to Census 2023.”
The minister highlighted the census’s central role in ensuring accurate representation and distribution of resources across the Territory. Questions of profound significance will be addressed, encompassing the quality of housing, vulnerabilities to natural disasters, demographic makeup, health conditions, educational levels, employment scenarios, economic drivers, and internet accessibility in households.
The gathered data will serve as a compass guiding the allocation of resources towards bolstering public health, housing, political representation, and education. Hon. Smith underscored the census’s significance in providing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving needs of the dynamic society, enabling the government to respond effectively.
Addressing past reluctance among community members, the Deputy Premier assured residents of the strict confidentiality measures in place, with the Statistical Act of 2005 prohibiting the CSO from disclosing any personal information collected during the census. This commitment is aimed at building trust and encouraging broad community participation.
The minister emphasized that the census’s primary goal is to make informed decisions grounded in evidence, amplifying the voices of all communities and increasing visibility for those who often feel unseen. Highlighting the potential consequences of inaccurate data, Hon. Smith pointed out that without precise census information, adequate planning becomes a challenge, leading to issues like overcrowded classrooms, impractical infrastructure, and underfunded social programs.
Citizens are urged to reach out for additional information or assistance by contacting the office directly at 468-2175/3029. Alternatively, individuals can send their queries via email to cso@gov.vg.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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