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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