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

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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.

Local News

Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle

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Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.

The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.

Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.

The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.

These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.

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Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1 

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 A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions

The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business. 

This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.

“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.

For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration. 

Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.

“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”

The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.

The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors. 

At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.

While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries. 

A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”

Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated. 

A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx. 

“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”

The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision. 

While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.

As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries. 

But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen. 

In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.

 

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Crime/Police

RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.

RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.

“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”

To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.

If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.

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