Local News
Third District Job Fair Sees Record-Breaking Turnout and Community Impact
Over 200 job seekers flooded the grounds of Therapy Works in Hannah Bay on Sunday, as former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Julian Willock, hosted what became the largest job fair ever organised by a private citizen in the British Virgin Islands. Supported by the Third District Committee, the event marked a significant milestone in efforts to boost employment and career development across the district and beyond.
From 2:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees had the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in local business, including Scrub Island Resort, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Therapy Works, Riteway Food Markets, the BVI Airports Authority, the BVI Electricity Corporation, and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Many companies came with vacancies open for immediate applications, drawing a substantial turnout from district residents eager to explore new career paths. Over the course of the day, more than 170 paper applications and 35 online applications were submitted.
Among the event’s highlights were presentations from representatives across key sectors. Roy E. Barry of the Social Security Board and National Health Insurance discussed the importance of national insurance benefits, while Acting Labour Commissioner Marvin Hastings provided insights on the new Labour Management System (LMS), which aims to streamline hiring processes across the territory. Additionally, Leroy James Jr., Business Development Manager of the Trade and Consumer Affairs Department, outlined support available to businesses through the National Business Bureau, offering companies training and networking opportunities to enhance local economic growth.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) also drew attention with its Marine Studies Programme, designed to encourage young islanders into the marine industry through paid internships, fostering valuable skills and practical experience.
Reflecting on the day’s success, Willock expressed optimism about the fair’s potential impact. “Our aim this year is to help at least 25 District Three residents secure meaningful employment, which would be an increase over last year’s total of 11,” he said. He added that he plans to follow up with participating companies within two weeks to track new hires directly resulting from the fair. “The turnout was overwhelming and reflects the private sector’s confidence in our Third District Committee to deliver impactful community initiatives,” Willock noted.
The event was made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Tortola Auto Group, Nanny Cay Marina, Long Bay Beach Resort, the Skelton Group of Companies, Caribbean Insurance, Northern Construction, Hon. Lorna G. Smith OBE, Flow BVI, and an anonymous Third District family, which contributed refreshments. Willock also extended special thanks to key organisers and supporters, such as Andrew Ball of the BVI Marine Association, Sharon P. Flax-Brutus of the BVI Yachting Hotel and Tourism Association, and members of the Third District Committee.
As the Third District continues to rally behind job creation and career growth, this year’s job fair underscores the strength of community-driven initiatives and the promise they hold for local economic development.
Business
BVI Financial Investigation Agency and Jersey Financial Services Commission Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Financial Crimes
The Financial Investigation Agency (FIA) of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has recently strengthened ties with the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 25 October. The agreement formalises a cooperative framework for consultation and information-sharing between the two regulatory bodies, enhancing their oversight in financial regulation.
The MoU signals a shared commitment by the BVI and Jersey to uphold rigorous financial standards and combat financial crimes. By sharing essential intelligence, the FIA and JFSC aim to bolster efforts to detect, prevent, and investigate crimes such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.
Errol George, Director of the FIA BVI, expressed the importance of the partnership, stating, “The signing of this MoU establishes a framework for information exchange between the FIA BVI and JFSC, supporting compliance with the laws, regulations, and rules relating to the functions of our Authorities. I am indeed pleased with the progress we are making in the Territory to tackle financial crime.”
Through this agreement, both agencies will, upon request, provide critical information that strengthens regulatory practices across the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBP) sector. Shared data will include details on corporate structures, management standards, and organisational quality, all essential for effective supervision.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced a major financial commitment toward infrastructure and community advancement through a $100 million loan facility with CIBC First Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley described the agreement as a transformative step, stating, “Today, the Government of the Virgin Islands is signing on to a $100 million loan facility with CIBC First Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited. The proceeds of this loan will fund a diverse number of projects that will be of immense benefit to the Virgin Islands’ economy and people.”
This substantial funding will enable a series of high-priority projects across education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing. The initiatives are designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance public services, and address critical community needs in the Territory.
A central feature of the development plan includes constructing a new building at Elmore Stoutt High School for the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. This facility will provide vocational training in high-demand fields, including mechanics, woodworking, and culinary arts, to equip students with practical skills aligned with the Territory’s workforce needs.
In public safety, the government will establish a National Detention Centre that meets international standards for the management of illegal immigrants and individuals denied entry. This facility will help reduce the Territory’s housing costs and will also include a dedicated training area for law enforcement, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining security and professional training standards.
Healthcare enhancements are planned through extensive refurbishments and expansions at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. These improvements are intended to increase capacity, improve patient care, and provide upgraded facilities for healthcare professionals, responding to the growing demand for high-quality healthcare services in the Virgin Islands.
Significant infrastructure projects are also slated, including comprehensive road improvements across the Territory. This work will encompass upgrades to drains, pavements, and traffic management systems, aimed at improving road safety and easing transportation flow. Additionally, key sewerage projects are set for completion in Cane Garden Bay, East End-Long Look, and Paraquita Bay, addressing longstanding public health and environmental concerns.
To further enhance public utilities, the government will expand the water distribution network throughout the Territory, ensuring more residents have access to reliable water sources. Renovations are also planned for the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, aimed at reducing dependency on rented facilities and providing improved working conditions for government employees.
The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport will see various upgrades to better accommodate increased passenger traffic, supporting tourism growth and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
In response to pressing social needs, the government will also construct a three-storey social apartment building, designed to provide temporary shelter for the homeless and victims of domestic violence, addressing a critical gap in community support.
Dr. Wheatley emphasized that the initiatives funded by this loan facility will generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity while addressing core community needs. “This funding supports projects with far-reaching and lasting impacts for the Virgin Islands, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable development across the Territory,” he said.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has signed a contract with Trojan Design and Development Ltd. for the design and construction management of a new Agriculture and Fisheries Complex. The contract, awarded on October 17 following a competitive bidding process, is valued at $95,200.
The project’s first phase will focus on design, incorporating stakeholder feedback to create a facility tailored to the needs of farmers and fishers. The proposed design includes spaces for processing, storage, and distribution, as well as an abattoir, fish processing center, and administrative offices. The complex is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, reducing import dependence, and fostering sustainability in the local food sector.
The construction management phase will ensure the facility’s alignment with the approved designs, supporting the vision of a modern complex equipped to meet both local and export demands.
Speaking at the contract signing, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Karl Dawson highlighted the project’s role in supporting the Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022. “This facility will enable greater trade and ease the burden on individual farmers and fishers by consolidating the process,” Dawson stated. He underscored the government’s focus on enhancing food security, improving water access for agriculture, and making fisheries more sustainable.
The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Theodore James, emphasized the complex’s role in food safety and value-added services, noting, “This facility will allow us to process food at a high standard, supporting safe production practices while expanding our capacity to transform single products into multiple offerings fit for local and export markets.”
RDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster confirmed the project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026, adding that the agency is committed to delivering the project within budget. Ronnie Lettsome of Trojan Design and Development Ltd. assured the public of the firm’s commitment to the project, noting that the new design would meet modern standards and help advance the BVI’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The new complex will replace facilities lost during the hurricanes of 2017, modernizing local agriculture with an enhanced abattoir, re-established fish processing hub, and new spaces for administration and education.
BVI Financial Investigation Agency and Jersey Financial Services Commission Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Financial Crimes
Virgin Islands Secures $100 Million Loan to Drive Infrastructure and Community Development
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