Local News
Social Development Department Vows Confidential, Equitable Public Assistance Delivery
In a recent Table Talks Session focusing on Accessing Public Assistance, Miss Tasha Bertie, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, highlighted the department’s dedication to maintaining confidentiality and fairness in delivering public assistance to individuals across the Virgin Islands.
Miss Bertie emphasised the successful transition to a streamlined system under the Social Development Department, promoting transparency and equity in the distribution of public assistance grants.
“We are pleased with the transition’s outcomes. While the previous system served its purpose, the current approach ensures that all grants are correctly channelled and managed, fostering equity across the board,” stated Miss Bertie.
Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett, Chief Social Development Officer, noted that the transition enabled the department to shift from manual to digital record-keeping, improving efficiency and reducing waiting times for assistance while facilitating accurate reporting to the ministry.
“The digital system has significantly streamlined our processes and reporting obligations to the ministry, making assistance more accessible to those in need,” Mrs. Malone-Frett remarked.
Miss Laurel Freeman, Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, highlighted the department’s stringent measures to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals seeking assistance.
“Applications are identified solely by NHI numbers, ensuring the anonymity of applicants. In the absence of an NHI number, alternative identifiers such as Social Security numbers, passports, birth certificates, or driver’s licences are utilised to protect applicants’ identities,” explained Miss Freeman.
Since the adoption of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations in 2022, the Ministry of Health and Social Development has intensified efforts to enhance public assistance services in the Virgin Islands.
The Social Development Department’s commitment to confidentiality and equity reflects the government’s broader initiatives to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and ensure justice for all residents of the Virgin Islands.
By prioritising inclusion, enforcement, safety, communication, and accountability, the government aims to instill greater confidence in its ability to provide accessible and secure services, thus fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of the Virgin Islands effectively.
Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley was on hand Sunday to present the Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award to Jim Vos, skipper of Warthog, in recognition of his dedication to youth sailing in the Virgin Islands.
The award was one of the highlights of the final day of the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta, which wrapped up a week of racing on the waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
While the early part of the week saw strong winds and challenging conditions, sailors were treated to classic Caribbean weather for the finale—sunny skies, steady breeze, and warm temperatures.
Despite the tough start, most crews found their rhythm and stayed consistent through the final races. The mix of international and local talent made for a strong showing across the board.
The regatta closed out with a lively celebration at the Regatta Village—sailors, supporters, and organizers coming together to toast another successful year on the water.
Full list of class winners:
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Warthog – Jim Vos (ANT)
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El Ocaso – Tony Mack (GBR)
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Huey Too – Bernie Evan-Wong (ANT)
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Bravissimo – Mike Feierabend (USVI)
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Painkiller/Sea-Battical – Alice Martin (USA)
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Jitterbug – Dr. Robin Tattersall (BVI)
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La Novia – Georges Coutu (DOM)
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Layla – Andrew Anne (GBR)
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Ting A Ling – Graham Harney (BVI)
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Cricket – Sandy Mair (BVI)
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Flying Jenny – Sandy Askew (USA)
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A man drowned Wednesday afternoon after being swept into the sea by a powerful wave while fishing along the rocky coastline of Carrot Bay, local authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred near the former site of the Isabella Morris Primary School, which has since been demolished. According to witnesses, the victim was fishing with two other men when a massive wave pulled him into the water. His companions ran for help, but by the time assistance arrived, he had already disappeared beneath the waves.
Local fishermen later recovered the man’s body. The drowning occurred sometime before 5:30 p.m. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.
Police remained at the scene Wednesday evening, where the body was kept on a vessel at the Fisherman’s Ramp awaiting transportation. An investigation is ongoing.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) rugby team secured the Plate at the 2025 Kowloon RugbyFest, held on March 27 in Hong Kong. The one-day, 10-a-side tournament drew teams from around the world, with the BVI squad advancing through the competition to emerge Plate champions.
This year’s RugbyFest featured more than 30 teams across multiple divisions, hosted at King’s Park Sports Ground. The tournament, organized annually by the Kowloon Rugby Club, is one of the largest social rugby events in Asia and includes elite, open, and veteran brackets.
The BVI squad, which included several young players making their debut debut outside of the Caribbean and Central America.—Roquan Hemmering, D’Von Jones, Jayden Williams, and Gethin Jones—recorded a series of wins and competitive matchups en route to the Plate final. Their performance earned them a place among the top contenders of the tournament’s second-tier playoff round.
In addition to their tournament participation, BVI players were invited to join the Pot Bellied Pigs RFC in a memorial rugby match honoring the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings. The match took place as part of the club’s annual tribute event during RugbyFest. The Pot Bellied Pigs, based in Asia, are known for combining rugby with charitable initiatives and commemorative matches.
The BVI team’s involvement in the memorial game marked the first time the territory was represented in that capacity at RugbyFest.
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Premier Wheatley Presents Top Award at BVI Spring Regatta
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