One simple lesson from history is that when people come together to talk, to exchange ideas and to develop common goals, wonderful things can happen.  So many of the world's greatest technological and industrial achievements have begun as partnerships between families, countries, and even continents.  But, as we are often reminded, the opposite can also be true.  When common goals fall apart, so does the exchange of ideas.  And if people no longer trust or understand each other, the talking will soon stop too.

Jaleel Fernando Cameron an 11-year old student of the St. Georges Primary School will be the first to hoist the Commonwealth Flag when the Territory participates in its inaugural observance for the Fly-a-Flag for the Commonwealth initiative.

The Office of Gender Affairs is celebrating BVI women who have made significant contributions to the development of the Territory as part of International Women’s Day celebration.

Following a short visit over the New Year, HMS Severn has returned to the British Virgin Islands for a four-day formal visit from 2-5 March, 2015.   The Ship is docked at Port Purcell. 

I am honoured to pay tribute this morning on behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands in remembering the life and legacy of Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt, the first Chief Minister and a visionary leader who left an undeniable mark in history book of this Territory. I am honoured to pay tribute this morning on behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands in remembering the life and legacy of Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt, the first Chief Minister and a visionary leader who left an undeniable mark in history book of this Territory. 

The Virgin Islands will host the Annual Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference, and the 13th Annual Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) European Union (EU) Forum from February 25 to February 27.

In observance of these events, the Government of the Virgin Islands will hold an educational exhibit under the theme, “Unlock the Value of the OCTs: Sustainable Development Through Innovation, Competitiveness and Green Growth”.

Over 150 top government officials from the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) will gather in the Virgin Islands for the Annual OCTA Ministerial Conference on February 26 and the 13th Annual Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) European Union (EU) Forum on February 27.

For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, the Virgin Islands will join 37 Commonwealth countries, nine United Kingdom Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom in raising over 650 Commonwealth flags

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is informing the public that its offices on Tortola and Virgin Gorda will be opened at their usual time on Monday February 9, 2015.

On behalf of the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE who is away on official business, I am delighted to be among the first to officially congratulate you on becoming British Overseas Territories Citizens.