Governor Daniel Pruce said Thursday that his current term as Governor of the Virgin Islands is expected to conclude in January 2027, though discussions regarding possible flexibility or an extension remain ongoing.

Mr. Pruce made the comments during a May 7 press conference at Government House after being asked by members of the media about the length of his tenure and whether he would consider remaining in the role beyond the standard term.

“My tenure would normally be for a period of three years,” Mr. Pruce said. “So that would be until January of 2027.”

The governor said conversations are taking place regarding possible adjustments to that timeline but noted that no final decision has been made.

“I am in the midst of looking at what options there may be in terms of flexibility around that timing,” he said. “It would be premature of me to go into any detail now.”

Mr. Pruce, who was sworn in as governor in January 2024, said any decision regarding an extension would not rest solely with him.

“But obviously, if given the opportunity to remain in the Virgin Islands for any longer, I’d be absolutely delighted,” he said. “This is a decision that sits beyond my particular responsibilities.”

During the press conference, Mr. Pruce also addressed a range of issues under his portfolio, including law enforcement reform, the appointment process for the next Commissioner of Police and ongoing security initiatives across the territory.

When Mystiq Flax Charles stepped onto the stage at the 2026 Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition, Jason Gardener said he immediately noticed more than just height and physique. The winner, he said, had “the look,” but also the personality, focus and determination that agencies search for when developing talent for the international fashion industry.

That impression has now led to Charles signing with JG Management USVI and Sandi Bass International under a mother agency agreement that could place the young Virgin Islands model on runways and casting calls in New York, and potentially beyond.

“It was a part of the prize that they could possibly be signed to us, but we saw how focused and determined he was and that he had a clear vision going into the competition,” Gardener said. “We truly appreciated that.”

Charles is expected to travel to New York City in July for agency go-sees, workshops and photo shoots as part of his professional development. Gardener said there has already been interest from agencies ahead of the trip, prompting preparations that include updated marketing materials, runway training and portfolio development.

“The main thing is agency go-sees appointments, photo shoots, workshops and enjoying NYC of course,” Gardener said.

Under the agreement, JG Management USVI and Sandi Bass International will serve as Charles’ mother agencies, a role that involves preparing models for placement with larger agencies in major fashion markets.

“A mother agent is responsible for developing the model — their look, body, walk, pictures and providing industry information for them to learn,” Gardener explained. “We also set up go-sees with agencies so they can meet him in hopes of signing with them.”

Gardener said Charles’ readiness for the next level comes down to more than appearance.

“He wants it and that’s important,” he said. “He’s of age and has a terrific support system. I look at the male models working today and truly believe Mystiq is ready.”

The Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition has spent more than a decade serving as a launching point for aspiring models across the territory. According to Gardener, several past finalists and winners have gone on to sign with major agencies and work in cities such as New York and Paris.

“This is a competition with proven results that I’ve seen over our 13 years,” he said. “Our winners and finalists have signed with major agencies, worked for major brands and have worked in New York and Paris.”

Gardener believes international exposure is critical for Virgin Islands talent, particularly as Caribbean models continue to gain visibility in the global fashion industry.

“Models from Jamaica have been booking major brands and we want our VI models to be on that level and more,” he said.

As Charles prepares for the next phase of his career, his training will include runway coaching, interview preparation, health and nutrition guidance and professional photo shoots. Gardener said the process is designed not only to help models secure agency representation, but also to prepare them for the demands of working internationally.

The long-term goal, according to Gardener, is to place Charles with a New York agency before expanding into other markets such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Paris or Milan.

For Gardener, Charles’ signing also represents something larger for young people watching from the Virgin Islands.

“That one day it can be me,” he said of the message he hopes aspiring models take from Charles’ success. “I hope they look at him as an inspiration and follow his journey.”

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Thirty-four public officers were recognised for customer service performance during the Public Service Star Membership Club Pinning Ceremony held on April 28, where Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr. and Director of Customer Service Kedimone Rubaine highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen service standards across the Virgin Islands Public Service.

The ceremony honoured officers who received commendations through the government’s Rate Us platform for service delivered between July 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Wheatley said public officers play an important role in the territory’s development and daily operations.

“Today, we pause to celebrate excellence in service, excellence in professionalism, and excellence in the quiet, steady commitment that keeps our Virgin Islands moving forward every single day,” Dr. Wheatley said. “The Public Service Star Membership Programme shines a well-deserved light on public officers who consistently go above and beyond.”

Mr. Archer said the recognition programme supports the government’s broader goal of developing a modern and effective public service.

“The journey toward becoming a world-class Public Service is not only measured by policies, by systems, or by transformation initiatives,” Mr. Archer said. “It is measured by the people who bring those systems to life every day.”

Ms. Rubaine described the ceremony as part of a wider initiative to establish measurable service standards throughout the public service.

“This ceremony is part of a broader and deliberate effort to institutionalise service excellence across the Virgin Islands Public Service,” Ms. Rubaine said. “It reflects a shift from viewing good service as desirable, to establishing it as a defined and measurable standard.”

During the ceremony, 13 public officers received Bronze Star Membership Pins, 11 received Silver Star Membership Pins, five attained Gold Membership and five achieved Elite Membership status.

The 2026 Stephanie Benn Award for Customer Service Excellence was presented to Damien Williams, Senior Learning and Development Manager at Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute. The award honours the late Stephanie Benn for her contributions to customer service standards within the public service.

The first Deputy Governor’s Award for Customer Care Excellence was presented to Shelane Penn of the Customer Service Care Centre for frontline service performance.

The Government of the Virgin Islands said the programme forms part of its continued efforts to recognise professionalism and improve public sector service delivery across the territory.

Bronze Members

Ms. Tyara Allick
Ms. Tashema Barnes
Mrs. Sophia Berkeley
Ms. Sherkhoya Forbes
Mr. Mervin Hastings
Mrs. Sheema Hodge-Radway
Mr. Chivoy Martin
Ms. Kamila Penn
Ms. Linette Rabsatt
Mr. Gregory Skelton
Mrs. Joann Stoutt
Ms. Portia Stoutt
Mrs. Tu-Neisha Weekes-Ebanks

Silver Members

Mrs. Nadia Demming-Hodge
Ms. Rena George
Ms. Michelle Harrigan
Ms. Sheena Huggins
Ms. Rhia Mitcham
Ms. Khrystal Padmore
Ms. Shaniqua Rhymer
Ms. Idrecia Richards
Ms. Kedimone Rubaine
Ms. Yvonette Stevens
Ms. Jennelle Thompson

Gold Members

Ms. Shannel Frett
Ms. Tangel Marquis
Ms. Felina Moss
Ms. Marylene Tyson
Mr. Damien Williams

Elite Members

Mr. Leonardo Callwood
Mr. Dwayne Cline
Mrs. Valerie Negron
Ms. Latoya Todman
Ms. Sherryann Varlack