Local News
Premier Wheatley Led Delegation to USVI for 51st Friendship Day Celebration
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley led a local delegation to St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, for the 51st annual USVI/BVI Friendship Day celebrations held October 18–19 under the theme “Binding Our Ties Through Friendship and Culture.”
The event, hosted by USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, Esq., featured cultural presentations at Emancipation Garden and a luncheon at the Mark C. Marin Center at Antilles School. The delegation included legislators, public officers, and members of the public.
A highlight of the weekend was a friendly basketball game between the USVI and BVI national teams, which drew strong support from residents of both territories.
“It was my pleasure, once again, to join with our brothers and sisters across the waters as we celebrated the unique bond that we have nurtured and maintained over the years — our friendships, our business relationships, our mutual support, and our familial ties,” Premier Wheatley said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Bryan, Lieutenant Governor Roach, and the people of the USVI for their continued hospitality. “Together, we will continue to build bridges of cooperation and understanding that will serve our peoples well for generations to come,” Wheatley said.
The annual celebration began on October 21, 1972, when the first Friendship Day was held on Tortola following a proclamation by Acting Governor Norman Derek Matthews, OBE, encouraging residents to support the occasion. The 50th anniversary observance took place in October 2022 under the theme “Our Golden Jubilee: A Resilient Bond of Friendship.”
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
