Community Centers Reopen Across Virgin Islands, Offering Venues for Public Use

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has announced the reopening of several community centers across the Virgin Islands, offering residents renewed access to public spaces for social, cultural, and educational events.

The Long Trench Community Centre, Emile Dunlop Community Centre on Anegada, and the Christiana Gertrude Warner Community Centre in Purcell Estate are now fully operational and available for a variety of approved activities. These include meetings, workshops, religious services, weddings, receptions, camps, and other community gatherings in accordance with government guidelines.

“Community centres are vital spaces for bringing people together, fostering social connection, and supporting local development,” said Tasha Bertie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development. “We are pleased to see so many of these hubs becoming active again, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we finalise arrangements for others.”

Although repairs have been completed at the East End/Long Look and Cane Garden Bay community centres, the Ministry is still working through additional administrative and operational procedures to ensure a safe and sustainable reopening. Updates on their availability are expected in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, some centers are offering limited access. The West End Community Centre is currently shared with the Carrot Bay Senior Programme and can accommodate small-scale events of up to 75 people. Similarly, the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay continues to house the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre during school hours and is available for limited use outside of those times, with a capacity of up to 50 persons, subject to approval.

All facility bookings must be processed through the Social Development Department and adhere to the official Community Centre guidelines. Key policies include:

• No decorations may be affixed to walls with tape, staples, or adhesives.

• Facilities are non-smoking and may host multiple groups at once.

• Bookings are not confirmed until a rental contract is signed and a deposit is received.

• Exclusive use is only guaranteed when the entire facility is rented.

• Events must remain within designated rental spaces, and noise should be kept to a moderate level.

• All trash must be properly removed from the premises.

• Controlled substances, gum, and candy are not permitted.

• Vendors must remain outside the centre’s gates.

• Facilities must be returned in their original condition, and keys returned by 9:00 a.m. the next business day. Lost or misused keys will incur a $100 replacement fee.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in additional charges or a loss of rental privileges.

To reserve a facility, residents are encouraged to contact the Social Development Department at (284) 468-3636. Rental rates vary depending on the location and type of event.

The Ministry emphasized its ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement and enhancing the social and health infrastructure across the Territory.