Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool accompanied by Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Works Anthony McMaster, Assistant Secretary for Ministry of Education and Culture Brenda Tye-Lettsome, City Manager Janice Braithwaite-Edwards and others visited the project site at the old Her Majesty’s Prison Building on Main Street where restorative work is underway to transform the building into a prison museum.  The tour was conducted by Project Manager Captain Hugh Whistler.

Workers from the Public Works Department worked during the overnight hours on the evenings of Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 7 and paved the damaged sections of Walter James Francis Drive with asphalt.  Works are expected to continue into next week.  Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool was onsite and he commended the workers on their skill in operating the new heavy equipment.  He said, “I am pleased that the works seem to be going smoothly tonight and I look forward to the competition of the rehabilitated road here in Road Town.

The Social Development Department reinforced the holiday spirit by putting the youth in the forefront of this year’s Clash of the Carolers. Several schools participated, including St. Georges, Pelican Gate, Seventh Day Adventist, Joyce Samuel Primary, Enis Adams Primary and Althea Scatliffe Primary. Among other performances were Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Project ‘X’ from Her Majesty’s Prison and poetry by Ms. Janice Stoutt. Mr. Linton Leonard and Mrs. Karia Christopher emceed the event. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

The Office of Gender Affairs concluded the 16 Days of Activism under the theme, “Peace at home, Peace in the world” on International Human Rights Day. Several schools, churches, families, youth organisations, public servants along with Miss BVI 2014 Jaynene Jno Lewis marched in observance of Human Right’s Day and against violence. Preceding the march, several balloons were released in honour of persons who lost their lives to violence followed by the Celebration of Life Concert which celebration those who won the fight against violence.

Works on the Blackburn Highway in East End are swiftly moving forward with road paving works.  Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool said, “The workers at the Public Works Department are working diligently to complete the road from the bridge to the Parham Town junction.  I am pleased to see the new asphalt plant doing the job it is supposed to in record time and I look forward to this road being completed very soon.”  Minister Vanterpool continued, “This will be an excellent gift for the East End people and I really would like to

The Government of the Virgin Islands ushered in the dawn of a new era in healthcare delivery, with the official opening and dedication of the New Peebles Hospital on December 17 at the Hospital Grounds. Several Government officials gave remarks including, His Excellency the Governor John Duncan, Honourable Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W.

There were smiles of anticipation and excitement as the Premier’s Office, in collaboration with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) delivered Christmas gifts to a number of the Territory’s children during the annual Holiday Gift Project party on Thursday December 4. Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering delivered remarks on behalf of Premier and Minister of Tourism, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE.

Governor John S. Duncan, OBE is pictured here with the 2014 recipients of the BVI Badge of Honor at an Investiture Ceremony this morning at Government House.  (From left to right) Clarence Thomas, Marlene Penn Trotman and Reynell Frazer. They are joined by the Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE (Photo Credit:  GIS/Mr. Ronnielle Frazer)

The National AIDS Programme under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Social Development hosted an Award Ceremony to recognize the second cohort of students from the University of Washington’s distance learning programme which focused on Leadership and Management in Health. The twenty five healthcare professionals represented the various disciplines within the health sector.

On Thursday, December 4, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Project Supervisor for the BVI, Mr. Albert Gillings visited the Territory from Barbados to assess the progress of the CDB loan components.  Mr. Gillings, accompanied by CDB Project Coordinator Dr. Drexel Glasgow and officials Ms. Haley Trott and Mr. Elton Smith of the Ministry of Communications and Works, visited completed CDB loan funded project in Palestina, Parham Town, Thomas Land and Ballast Bay.  Dr.