The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced a major financial commitment toward infrastructure and community advancement through a $100 million loan facility with CIBC First Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley described the agreement as a transformative step, stating, “Today, the Government of the Virgin Islands is signing on to a $100 million loan facility with CIBC First Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited. The proceeds of this loan will fund a diverse number of projects that will be of immense benefit to the Virgin Islands’ economy and people.”

This substantial funding will enable a series of high-priority projects across education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing. The initiatives are designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance public services, and address critical community needs in the Territory.

A central feature of the development plan includes constructing a new building at Elmore Stoutt High School for the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. This facility will provide vocational training in high-demand fields, including mechanics, woodworking, and culinary arts, to equip students with practical skills aligned with the Territory’s workforce needs.

In public safety, the government will establish a National Detention Centre that meets international standards for the management of illegal immigrants and individuals denied entry. This facility will help reduce the Territory’s housing costs and will also include a dedicated training area for law enforcement, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining security and professional training standards.

Healthcare enhancements are planned through extensive refurbishments and expansions at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. These improvements are intended to increase capacity, improve patient care, and provide upgraded facilities for healthcare professionals, responding to the growing demand for high-quality healthcare services in the Virgin Islands.

Significant infrastructure projects are also slated, including comprehensive road improvements across the Territory. This work will encompass upgrades to drains, pavements, and traffic management systems, aimed at improving road safety and easing transportation flow. Additionally, key sewerage projects are set for completion in Cane Garden Bay, East End-Long Look, and Paraquita Bay, addressing longstanding public health and environmental concerns.

To further enhance public utilities, the government will expand the water distribution network throughout the Territory, ensuring more residents have access to reliable water sources. Renovations are also planned for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, aimed at reducing dependency on rented facilities and providing improved working conditions for government employees.

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport will see various upgrades to better accommodate increased passenger traffic, supporting tourism growth and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.

In response to pressing social needs, the government will also construct a three-storey social apartment building, designed to provide temporary shelter for the homeless and victims of domestic violence, addressing a critical gap in community support.

Dr. Wheatley emphasized that the initiatives funded by this loan facility will generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity while addressing core community needs. “This funding supports projects with far-reaching and lasting impacts for the Virgin Islands, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable development across the Territory,” he said.

Over 200 job seekers flooded the grounds of Therapy Works in Hannah Bay on Sunday, as former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Julian Willock, hosted what became the largest job fair ever organised by a private citizen in the British Virgin Islands. Supported by the Third District Committee, the event marked a significant milestone in efforts to boost employment and career development across the district and beyond.

From 2:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees had the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in local business, including Scrub Island Resort, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Therapy Works, Riteway Food Markets, the BVI Airports Authority, the BVI Electricity Corporation, and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Many companies came with vacancies open for immediate applications, drawing a substantial turnout from district residents eager to explore new career paths. Over the course of the day, more than 170 paper applications and 35 online applications were submitted.

Among the event’s highlights were presentations from representatives across key sectors. Roy E. Barry of the Social Security Board and National Health Insurance discussed the importance of national insurance benefits, while Acting Labour Commissioner Marvin Hastings provided insights on the new Labour Management System (LMS), which aims to streamline hiring processes across the territory. Additionally, Leroy James Jr., Business Development Manager of the Trade and Consumer Affairs Department, outlined support available to businesses through the National Business Bureau, offering companies training and networking opportunities to enhance local economic growth.

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) also drew attention with its Marine Studies Programme, designed to encourage young islanders into the marine industry through paid internships, fostering valuable skills and practical experience.

Reflecting on the day’s success, Willock expressed optimism about the fair’s potential impact. “Our aim this year is to help at least 25 District Three residents secure meaningful employment, which would be an increase over last year’s total of 11,” he said. He added that he plans to follow up with participating companies within two weeks to track new hires directly resulting from the fair. “The turnout was overwhelming and reflects the private sector’s confidence in our Third District Committee to deliver impactful community initiatives,” Willock noted.

The event was made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Tortola Auto Group, Nanny Cay Marina, Long Bay Beach Resort, the Skelton Group of Companies, Caribbean Insurance, Northern Construction, Hon. Lorna G. Smith OBE, Flow BVI, and an anonymous Third District family, which contributed refreshments. Willock also extended special thanks to key organisers and supporters, such as Andrew Ball of the BVI Marine Association, Sharon P. Flax-Brutus of the BVI Yachting Hotel and Tourism Association, and members of the Third District Committee.

As the Third District continues to rally behind job creation and career growth, this year’s job fair underscores the strength of community-driven initiatives and the promise they hold for local economic development.