Local News
Department of Immigration Earns ‘Most Improved’ Title
The Department of Immigration has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Most Improved Department’ by the RATEUS platform, as highlighted in the latest edition of the Public Service Customer Service Newsletter.
The RATEUS platform, a comprehensive tool for evaluating government service delivery, has recognized the Department of Immigration for its significant strides in efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge expressed her pride in the department’s progress, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Department of Immigration’s staff in serving our community with excellence. It is encouraging for staff members to know that their efforts to streamline processes, improve customer service, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism have not gone unnoticed. As we continue to enhance our services, we expect to see even higher levels of satisfaction among the community.”
Several key initiatives have contributed to the Department of Immigration’s commendable progress:
- Enhanced Service Delivery: The department has implemented innovative strategies to streamline immigration processes, reduce wait times, and improve overall service for residents and visitors.
- Transparency and Accountability: New measures have been introduced to ensure that immigration operations are conducted with integrity and fairness, enhancing transparency and accountability.
- Customer Satisfaction: A strong focus on improving the customer experience through better communication, responsiveness, and accessibility has led to increased client satisfaction.
- Training and Development: Significant investment in staff training and development has equipped employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional service.
Director of Customer Service Kedimone Rubaine lauded the department’s efforts, saying, “The Department of Immigration’s commitment to improving their delivery of customer service is not only admirable but reflects the Government’s strategic customer service plan. I encourage the public to continue to rate their service at the Department to keep these hard-working officers accountable while celebrating their improvement.”
Public Service Transformation Manager Kishann Cupid Braithwaite also praised the department, stating, “The improvement shown by this department is transformation in action. Enhancing the Public Service through customer service is a key priority, and the commitment shown by the officers of the Department of Immigration is a great example of how the Public Service will continually transform for the better.”
The Department of Immigration remains dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands, playing a vital role in the government’s mission to facilitate lawful immigration and ensure border security.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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