The Ministry of Health and Social development is reporting the lowest cases of new HIV/AIDS infections since 2007.

Coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS & Sexual Health Programme Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke reported that so far this year, only three new cases of HIV have been recorded.

Mrs. Levons-Clarke noted that the Territory is seeing a reduction in the number of new cases and the spread of HIV infection. This achievement she attributes to enhanced public awareness and education spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The Department of Waste Management is inviting the public to take advantage of its wood chipper, a motor-driven machine used to recycle non-processed wood, like tree trunks and barks, reducing it to smaller woodchips called mulch.

According to Waste Officer Mr. Marquese Maduro, mulch is usually spread over the surface of the soil as a covering. Persons can use it in landscaping and beautification of their surroundings. It is ideal for retaining moisture in the soil. Additionally, it helps to prevent soil erosion and serves as a nutrient for plants.

In providing more information to the Territory’s residents on the United States (U.S.) Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands has invited a FATCA specialist to deliver special presentations to individuals affected by the United States law.

The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken another step towards improving its profile of cooperation in the global landscape.

The Government of the Virgin Islands and the Government of the United States concluded its negotiations On March 6, 2014, and initialled the final text of an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) in respect of the US Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), paving the way for its imminent signing and implementation in Territory.

In discussions on the future of off-shore financial centres, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, presented his insights today at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club during a luncheon meeting hosted by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

British Virgin Islands World War 1 Veteran James Rymer’s outstanding service in World War 1 was recently celebrated at the annual Premier’s reception hosted by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.

Twenty-five students gathered at BVI House in London on December 7 for a luncheon orientation programme where they learned more on transitioning to life in the United Kingdom (UK). They also had an opportunity to meet with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE.

Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE met with key Members of Parliament at the British Virgin Islands All Party Parliamentary Group (BVI APPG) lunch in the House of Commons on Thursday December 4.

The Premier updated APPG members on the Territory’s progress in the areas of tourism, healthcare and financial services.   The APPG Members and other Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords offered insights on improving BVI-UK engagement. 

The Department of Waste Management is asking for a coordinated response from the community in maximizing the potential of the incinerator.

The incinerator which once opened to the public 24 hours a day, experienced technical issues associated with the hours of operation. The new hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. which became effective September 1, 2014.