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Public Works Department Bolsters Emergency Response Ahead of Active Hurricane Season
As the British Virgin Islands braces for a highly active hurricane season, the Public Works Department is stepping up its emergency response capabilities.
Forecasters predict 17 to 25 storms will form in the Atlantic between June 1 and the end of November, with at least eight expected to develop into full-blown hurricanes. Four to seven of these could become major hurricanes.
Director of the Public Works Department, Mr. Jeremy Hodge, revealed that a series of meetings were held earlier this year with heavy equipment operators to enhance the Territory’s emergency response efforts following natural disasters and unforeseen events.
“In February, we had some Territory-wide meetings with operators to find the best way to have them engaged as a first response after natural disasters and unforeseen events that require an emergency response,” Mr. Hodge stated.
As a result of these discussions, the Public Works Department successfully mobilised teams to clear roadways and debris, ensuring public access to thoroughfares during emergencies.
Mr. Hodge also announced that the department is in the process of establishing a comprehensive framework and is inviting heavy equipment owners to register with the department. Owners, whether they have previously worked with the department or not, are encouraged to reapply by emailing their information to pwd@gov.vg.
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Ministry of Education Addresses Allegations of Student-Teacher Incident at Elmore Stoutt High School
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
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’
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.
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