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Premier Wheatley Addresses National Concerns Following Territory-Wide Protest
Following a recent protest that brought national frustrations to the forefront, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley, issued a formal statement Tuesday acknowledging the concerns of demonstrators and pledging continued action to address long-standing social and economic issues.
The protest, described as peaceful and orderly, was accompanied by a formal letter submitted to the government detailing grievances that span infrastructure deficiencies, cost-of-living pressures, public safety concerns, and the pace of governmental reform.
“I thank the individuals and groups who have taken the time to voice these matters in a structured and respectful manner,” the Premier said in his official address. “Civic engagement is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and your voices have been heard.”
Premier Wheatley assured the public that many of the concerns outlined are already being targeted through ongoing initiatives. He pointed to recent efforts in public sector reform, infrastructure improvements, social support expansion, and adjustments to ease cost-of-living burdens.
“These areas, and our progress to date, were outlined in the recent Territorial Address,” he said, referencing a government report detailing completed actions and ongoing initiatives across the Territory. Copies of the address were made available alongside the statement.
Premier Natalio Wheatley
To reinforce transparency, the Premier highlighted the bi-monthly “Virgin Islands Voice” program — a televised and radio platform airing on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month — as a primary channel for public updates and engagement.
“While some matters require long-term planning and resource mobilisation, others are already showing signs of tangible progress,” he noted. “We remain committed to informing the public as further steps are taken and timelines for additional initiatives are established.”
The Premier emphasized that the public’s frustrations are neither being dismissed nor minimized.
“Let me reassure you: your concerns are not being ignored,” he said. “My administration remains fully committed to delivering real, measurable progress that reflects the needs and aspirations of all who call these Virgin Islands home.”
The statement follows mounting public pressure on the government to accelerate reforms and enhance its responsiveness amid economic strain and perceived institutional inertia. Protest leaders have indicated they will continue to monitor government actions in the coming weeks.
The Office of the Deputy Governor has issued a formal statement refuting reports that Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. denied public officers the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
According to the statement released Wednesday, June 4, the reports—shared via a media platform—“falsely reported the Deputy Governor’s refusal to allow public officers the opportunity to express their constitutional rights.” The rights in question are enshrined in Sections 23 and 24 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.
The Office clarified that on Friday, May 30, Mr. Archer received a copy of a letter from His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce to Mr. Floyd Burnett, acknowledging receipt of a request for a peaceful demonstration in Road Town.
The Governor’s correspondence, which included a request for the Deputy Governor to inform senior managers of the demonstration, was executed the same day, the statement said.
“The Deputy Governor’s communication included instructions on how public officers can be released if they intended to attend the march while ensuring the delivery of services to clients,” the Office noted. These directions, it added, are consistent with existing Public Service policies.
The statement also pointed to ongoing efforts to establish a Human Rights Commission as a means of reinforcing the Government’s commitment to protecting individual rights in the Territory. Public officers and residents are encouraged to review Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 to become more informed about their fundamental rights and freedoms.
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Road Closure Expected in Road Town Monday Morning; Motorists Advised to Use Alternate Routes
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced that certain roads in Road Town will experience temporary closures on Monday, June 2, between 9:00 and 10:00 AM due to a scheduled peaceful protest. To ensure minimal disruption and maintain public safety, motorists traveling from the Eastern End toward Pickering Road, Fishlock Road, Flemming Street, and surrounding areas are strongly advised to use Station Avenue as an alternate route.“`
Additionally, those traveling to DeCastro Street, the banking district, and nearby areas should use the Mangrove Bypass Road, while motorists coming from the Western End heading toward Flemming Street, Fishlock Road, and adjacent areas are encouraged to take Shore Way Drive.
The RVIPF will have officers on site to manage traffic and ensure the safety of all involved.
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First Cohort of BVI Care Certificate Graduates as Territory Moves to Standardise Health and Social Care Training
Nineteen care professionals from across the British Virgin Islands have completed the Territory’s inaugural Care Certificate programme, marking a significant step towards standardised, quality care in both public and private health and social service sectors.
Nineteen participants—14 women and five men—completed the 16-week programme, which included face-to-face and online training sessions, independent study, practical demonstrations, and formal assessments. The Care Certificate was developed by Skills for Care, Health Education England, and Skills for Health, and has been adapted for the British Virgin Islands through the UK Health Security Agency’s Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme.
The graduates represented a wide range of care settings, including the BVI Health Services Authority (8), the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly (4), the Rainbow Children’s Home (2), the Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly (2), and the Social Development Department’s Home Care Programme (3).
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, delivered congratulatory remarks at a brief graduation ceremony hosted by the Ministry. “This achievement is not just personal—it has direct impact on the health service delivery across the Territory,” he told the graduates.
Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Coordinator, Ms Jascinth Hannibal, emphasised the importance of the achievement. “Today, we do not simply celebrate achievement. We celebrate the birth of a new era in caregiving. You, our graduates, are pioneers in a programme created to instil excellence and affirm the dignity of service,” she said.
Ms Hannibal noted that the graduates bring with them a broad spectrum of professional experience, ranging from less than five years to over three decades. “The exchange of experiences within this group was nothing short of inspiring. I’ve learnt as much from you as you have from the programme,” she said.
She also underscored the responsibilities that come with certification. “Graduation does not mean you drop the ball. It means you are now held to a higher standard. You may even be called upon to guide and mentor others, or to serve as future assessors,” Ms Hannibal added.
Each participant will receive a Care Certified Badge and a certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Health and Social Development. The Care Certificate sets out defined standards for knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of care professionals in their daily work and is expected to become the baseline requirement for all non-regulated personnel entering the health and social care workforce in the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to building a skilled and compassionate care workforce and enhancing public health standards throughout the Territory.
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