Local News
Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
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.
The British Virgin Islands Red Cross, in partnership with Harneys, will host its Biennial Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening, aiming to provide essential health services and promote early detection of prostate cancer.
The free initiative will take place on Virgin Gorda on February 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Catholic Community Centre. On Tortola, the event will span two days, February 7 and 8, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for men worldwide, with early detection playing a critical role in improving treatment outcomes. Recognising this, the BVI Red Cross, supported by Harneys, seeks to ensure men across the territory have access to free screenings and health information.
“This initiative emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care,” said the Director of BVI Red Cross, Stacy Lloyd. “We are committed to creating opportunities for men to prioritise their health and access vital resources.”
In addition to prostate cancer screenings, the event will include a variety of health services and educational sessions on topics such as nutrition, mental health, and preventative care strategies. Local health professionals will be present to provide guidance and answer questions.
Organisers encourage men of all ages to attend the health fair and take advantage of the free screenings and consultations.
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has been elected President of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and will also serve as President of the Political Council.
Premier Wheatley expressed his vision for the role, stating, “This is not just about leadership; it’s about unity and collaboration. Together, we will harness our collective strengths to address the challenges we face, such as climate change and economic resilience, and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our territories. Our voices will be heard, and our aspirations will be realised.”
As part of this leadership change, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, UK Representative and Director of the BVI London Office, has been appointed Chair of UKOTA. Bradshaw, who has been a key figure in UK-BVI relations, shared her thoughts on the new role: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of UKOTA. Alongside Premier Wheatley and our dedicated team, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the UK Overseas Territories are acknowledged and addressed with the utmost diligence and respect.”
UKOTA, which has served as a vital platform for the collaboration of UK Overseas Territories, enters an exciting new chapter with this leadership shift. The association plays a key role in advocating for the collective interests of the territories, ensuring they remain united on the international stage. The territories, despite their varying sizes and economic statuses, will now benefit from a more unified voice, aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, economic growth, and resilience.
Looking forward to 2025, UKOTA will build on the momentum of its 30th anniversary, a landmark achievement that highlights the importance of the association’s work in fostering cooperation across its member territories. UKOTA’s future efforts will be centred around strengthening relationships, enhancing dialogue, and ensuring equitable representation for all member territories, particularly smaller ones, whose concerns will be prioritized in discussions.
The appointment of Premier Wheatley as UKOTA President follows the Virgin Islands’ previous tenure in the leadership positions back in 2016 under Dr. Orlando Smith, OBE, with Benito Wheatley as Chair. This ongoing legacy of leadership reflects the Virgin Islands’ commitment to playing an active role in the advocacy and governance of UK Overseas Territories.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has claimed the #33 position on The New York Times’ prestigious “52 Places to Go in 2025” list, a definitive annual guide to global travel.
The recognition, revealed on January 9, highlights the BVI’s bounce-back strength and growing appeal, making it one of just two Caribbean destinations to make the list.
The BVI’s resurgence after the catastrophic Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 takes center stage in the listing, penned by Times journalist Nora Walsh. Highlighted are the revival of key luxury properties: the Bitter End Yacht Club, known for its upcoming over-the-water lofts set to debut this year; the newly envisioned Biras Marina & Resort; and the transformed Peter Island Resort, which reopened in December 2024 after an extensive overhaul.
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy hailed the recognition as a milestone in the territory’s recovery and evolution. “Our inclusion on this year’s list reflects not just our beauty but also the resilience, creativity, and unwavering hospitality that define the BVI,” McCoy said. “The revival of iconic properties, coupled with increased direct flights from the U.S., signals a bright future for tourism in the territory.”
The BVI’s placement on the list is expected to amplify its global profile, leveraging the Times’ vast audience of over 153 million monthly readers. The endorsement comes as the islands invest in both infrastructure and visitor experiences, offering pristine beaches, world-class sailing, and a vibrant cultural tapestry.
BVI Red Cross and Harneys Host Free Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening
Premier Wheatley Elected to Lead UK Overseas Territories Association
British Virgin Islands Earns Coveted Spot on New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025″
-
Crime/Police2 days agoPolice Officer Charged Over Internal Security Breach
-
Crime/Police1 week agoKnife-Wielding Bandit Strikes Again in Tortola, Targeting Late-Night Workers
-
Crime/Police2 days agoVirgin Gorda Police Apprehend Fugitive Linked to String of Burglaries and Robberies
-
USVI News2 days agoGovernor Albert Bryan Jr. Declares January 9 a Local Holiday in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
-
Business1 week agoSome Businesses Continue To Insist On Minimum Spending For Credit Card Payment
-
Local News1 week agoBritish Virgin Islanders Exempt from UK ETA Requirement
-
Entertainment1 week agoVybz Kartel’s Return: Freedom Street Concert Marks Historic Comeback After 13 Years
-
Local News1 week agoMentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE) BVI Movement Bolstered by $5,000 Drakes Traders Donation