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Virgin Islands Government Commits to Food Security and Sustainability Initiatives, Says Junior Minister

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Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson, reaffirmed the Government of the Virgin Islands’ dedication to food security and sovereignty principles, emphasising efforts to enhance food sustainability.

Dr. Dawson highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at realising the objectives outlined in the Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act. These include the establishment of the Virgin Islands Agriculture and Fisheries Marketing Authority, the development of agricultural infrastructure at Paraquita Bay, and the formulation of a comprehensive plan for agriculture and fisheries.

“We are in the process of developing the comprehensive plan for agriculture and fisheries in the Territory,” stated Dr. Dawson. “This process has been informed by public meetings with farmers… as well as the work plans established by the Department of Agriculture.”

He further elaborated on the plan’s purpose, stating that it will integrate various elements into a singular document to guide the sectors effectively. Dr. Dawson also highlighted ongoing efforts to address water issues, particularly at Paraquita Bay Farms, through long-term and short-term solutions such as the reservoir project.

Looking towards the future, Dr. Dawson expressed optimism for agricultural production, citing initiatives aimed at addressing water issues, expanding farming land availability, fostering community among sector producers, and providing training support.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, responsible for ensuring safe, nutritionally sound food production in an environmentally sustainable manner, plays a crucial role in contributing to economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection within the Territory.

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Ministry of Education Addresses Allegations of Student-Teacher Incident at Elmore Stoutt High School

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The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a statement regarding serious allegations involving a male teacher and a male student at Elmore Stoutt High School.

Last week the male student physically attacking the teacher’s vehicle retaliating to the teachers presence at the school despite allegations of inappropriate conduct prior the the close of the 2023 – 2024 school year.

The Ministry is working with authorities, including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Social Development Department, and Teaching Service Commission, to ensure a thorough investigation.

Immediate steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the school community while maintaining a supportive learning environment. The Ministry is dedicated to handling this matter with fairness, ensuring justice and safety for all involved, and asks for patience as legal and ethical protocols are followed.

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Ron Potter Refuses to Resign Despite Request from Health Minister

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Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Ron Potter, has refused to resign from his position, despite being directly asked to do so by the Minister of Health and Social Development.

The request, made via WhatsApp, came in the wake of several tragic incidents affecting the healthcare sector in the British Virgin Islands.

Potter made his position clear in a formal statement, rejecting the call to step down. He emphasised that his removal would require legal grounds under the BVI Health Services Authority Act of 2004, which governs the appointment and dismissal of board members. According to Potter, no such grounds exist. “It is not my intention to resign as Chairman, as there are no grounds or reasons for me to do so,” Potter declared, adding that the Act requires due process to be followed.

He further pointed out that the BVIHSA operates independently of central government, and that decisions regarding his removal must be legally justified. The Chairman also addressed media reports suggesting a strained relationship between himself and the Health Minister, noting that he was unaware of any tensions before reading the reports. “If this reporting is true, I was certainly unaware of a strained relationship prior to the articles,” Potter said, distancing himself from claims of discord within the healthcare administration. He also dismissed allegations that he was single-handedly blocking the development of a proposed medical school, calling them “unfounded and without merit.”

Potter’s statement highlighted his dedication to the healthcare system in the Territory. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the lack of a fully staffed BVIHSA board, which has prevented the board from holding critical meetings since July 2024. Despite these setbacks, Potter remains committed to his role, championing several key initiatives, including the completion of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Center, improvements to hospital and clinic infrastructure, and the establishment of medical and nursing schools.

Potter reaffirmed his commitment to the people of the British Virgin Islands, stressing the importance of a well-functioning healthcare system. “I believe access to a good healthcare system is a fundamental right of the people of this Territory,” he said, urging the community to continue supporting the BVIHSA’s efforts to enhance healthcare services.

It is unclear whether the Minister of Health will pursue further action or attempt to resolve the situation with the Chairman.

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Willock Unveils New Back-to-School Initiative: ‘3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3’

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Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and District 3 resident Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee, has launched a new twist on their annual Back-to-School event, titled “3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3.”

This year, the event will focus on three schools in the Sea Cows Bay area: Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Anglican School, and Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Over 100 bags filled with books and other essential supplies will be donated directly to these schools, with principals and teachers determining which students need them most over the 2024-2025 school year.

Explaining the new approach, Willock said, “We noticed that many existing back-to-school events had restrictions, like requiring students to come from a particular district or pre-register. Our approach is simpler: we want to help students who genuinely need it, and who better to identify those students than the teachers and principals who interact with them daily?”

The only requirement for receiving supplies is that the students must be enrolled in one of the three selected schools. Donations are set to be made next week, all within a single day, in what Willock has dubbed the “3 Hours, 3 Schools in District 3” initiative.

Willock also highlighted plans for a separate, special initiative for the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, which is temporarily housed in the Sea Cows Bay area.

He expressed gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, his Third District Committee, and Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.

More than 100 bags filled with books, pencils, and other school supplies.

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