Local News
Virgin Islands Delegation Visits Cayman to Study Business Development Models
Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade of the Virgin Islands, is leading a three-member delegation to the Cayman Islands as part of a fact-finding mission aimed at strengthening the Virgin Islands’ approach to business development and economic diversification.
The mission focuses on studying the Cayman Islands’ efforts to build a modern, business-enabling ecosystem, with particular attention to initiatives such as Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), Health City, Cayman Tech, and related institutions.
“The team is focused on identifying best practices and transferable lessons that can support the Virgin Islands’ own efforts to enhance its ease of doing business and foster economic diversification,” Smith said. “This experience will no doubt be of benefit to all participants including the delegation from the Virgin Islands, as we together seek similar goals — to find innovative ways to do business, and grow and strengthen our economy.”
During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet with several high-level Cayman officials, including Premier and Minister of Financial Services and Commerce, Honourable Andre Ebanks, and Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Trade Development, Honourable Gary Rutty.
Other planned engagements include discussions with senior representatives from the Special Economic Zone Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Commerce and Investment, and personnel from Customs, Immigration, and Labour.
Delegation members accompanying Minister Smith include Ms. Ayiesha De Coteau Sammy, Director of Investment Promotion; Dr. Lincoln Bobb, Deputy Director of Trade; and Dr. Dawn Alexander-Joseph, Policy Analyst II.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation said the mission is expected to help guide future policy planning and provide insights into building a competitive and resilient economy.
The Ministry is tasked with regulating financial institutions and services, promoting financial stability, and supporting economic growth across the Territory. It also oversees initiatives aimed at boosting investor confidence, consumer protection, and financial inclusion.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
