Local News
Virgin Islands Mourn the Loss of Healthcare Pioneer, Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, MBE

The Virgin Islands are in mourning following the passing of Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, MBE, a trailblazer in the healthcare sector and a pivotal figure in the evolution of mental health care in the Territory. The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, led the tributes, expressing deep sorrow at the loss of a community stalwart whose contributions to healthcare will be remembered for generations.
Mrs. Georges, who held the distinction of being the Territory’s first psychologist and mental health/psychiatric nurse, played a transformative role in advancing mental health services. After furthering her education overseas, she returned to the Virgin Islands to establish the Community Mental Health Programme in 1972, an initiative that brought much-needed follow-up care to patients within the community. Her leadership emphasized preventative, continuity, and rehabilitative care, elements that helped the programme gain recognition as a model system by the Pan American Health Organization.
“She was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for mental health care,” said Dr. Wheatley. “Her influence on healthcare, especially in the mental health sector, has left an indelible mark on our community.”
Mrs. Georges was instrumental in founding the Mental Health Association in 1975 and was a mentor to countless nurses across the Territory. Many nurses recall her as a pivotal figure in their careers, often crediting her with providing them their start and encouraging further education and professional development. As Chief Nursing Officer from 1987 to 1994, she played an active role in regional and international nursing organizations, including the Caribbean Nurses Organisation and the International Council of Nurses, where her advocacy helped elevate the standards of nursing care in the Virgin Islands.
A stalwart in nursing and healthcare, Mrs. Georges served as a founding member of the BVI Nurses Association, where she held several key positions, including president and secretary. Her involvement in the Caribbean Nursing Association further solidified her reputation as a leader and advocate for nurses in the region, steering local nursing practices towards greater effectiveness and professionalism.
Mrs. Georges’ influence extended beyond the Virgin Islands, as her work and advocacy opened numerous doors for nurses locally and abroad. Her efforts to obtain membership in the International Council of Nurses ensured that nurses from the Territory could benefit from global advancements in the field. Colleagues describe her as approachable, deeply caring, and steadfast in her commitment to patient care and higher education.
Even in retirement, Mrs. Georges remained connected to the field she loved, taking a keen interest in ongoing developments within nursing. Her legacy also includes contributions as an editor and writer for various government publications, where she documented the history and progress of healthcare in the Virgin Islands.
Mrs. Georges’ impact on the Virgin Islands was profound and far-reaching, touching lives locally, regionally, and internationally. She is remembered as a dedicated public servant whose work was driven by a passion for excellence and compassion for others.
The Territory extends its heartfelt condolences to her children, Noni and Kamau, her granddaughter, Eden, her siblings, and the extended Frett and Malone families.
Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges’ legacy will endure, her name forever etched in the history of the Virgin Islands as a pioneer in healthcare and a champion for mental health and nursing excellence.
Health
Virgin Islands Centenarian Receives First $10,000 Grant Under New Government Program

Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.
This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.
“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.
He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”
The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:
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Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years
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Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years
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Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years
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Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years
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Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years
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Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years
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Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years
The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.
International
Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago Elected as Pope Leo XIV

– First American Pontiff in Catholic Church History
The College of Cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two-millennia history.
The announcement came at 6:07 p.m. local time, when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave’s fourth ballot. Shortly thereafter, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Appearing before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV offered his first apostolic blessing and addressed the faithful with a message of peace: “Peace be with all of you! I want this salute of peace to enter your heart, reach your families, and all people, and all the peoples, and the whole world.”
Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru, where he taught theology and held various administrative roles within the Church. In 2023, he was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a position that placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership.
Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a unifying choice amid ideological divisions within the Church. His background reflects a commitment to inclusivity and dialogue, values that align with the synodal approach emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for a Church that is “engaged with the modern world and always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering.”
The new pontiff faces a range of pressing challenges, including fostering unity within a polarized Church, addressing global conflicts, and continuing efforts to reform Church governance and address past abuses. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these complex issues.
Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with congratulations from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the historic moment, stating, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our … .”
As the Catholic Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s guidance, the faithful and observers alike look forward to the direction he will set for the global community of believers.
Entertainment
Former Miss BVI Kathlyn Archibald-Drew Graduates Summa Cum Laude from Howard University

Former Miss British Virgin Islands, Kathlyn Archibald-Drew, is set to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Howard University as a member of the Class of 2025. A dedicated scholar, Kathlyn has distinguished herself with an Honors Economics Major and a double minor in Political Science and Philosophy.
The former Cedar International School student’s academic journey at Howard University will culminate on May 8.
With a passion for economic development and social change, Kathlyn is preparing to take the next step in her academic career at the London School of Economics, where she will pursue a Master’s in Local Economic Development.
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