Dengue surge signals growing global health threat, PAHO warns

A sharp rise in dengue and other arboviral diseases is highlighting the growing impact of environmental change on global public health, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said this week. Speaking at the One Health Summit 2026 in Lyon, Barbosa described the current outbreak as unprecedented. In 2024, countries … Continued

Contract signed for roof repairs and lightning protection at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), in collaboration with the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), has signed a contract for roof repairs and the installation of a lightning protection system at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and its Annex building. The contract, valued at $200,044.00, … Continued

Afreximbank launches $10b programme to shield Africa, Caribbean from Gulf crisis

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme (GCRP) to shield African and Caribbean economies from the severe economic shocks triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The decision, taken by the bank’s Board of Directors, comes as the crisis, which intensified on February 28, 2026, continues … Continued

New Birth and Death certificates launched

The Civil Registry and Passport Office has launched new Birth and Death Certificates, which it says marks a significant step in strengthening the integrity, security, and presentation of vital records in The Virgin Islands. Persons are encouraged to obtain new certificates from the Civil Registry and Passport Office. The newly designed certificates introduce enhanced visual … Continued

LET’S BUILD VI LAUNCHED TO PUT VIRGIN ISLANDERS AT THE CENTRE OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, today officially launched the Let’s Build VI National Scholarship Programme, a landmark national initiative designed to equip Virgin Islanders with the skills, qualifications, and confidence needed to build, serve, and sustain the future of the Territory. The … Continued

Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital – Facility Enhancement Works & Parking Advisory

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) wishes to inform the public that Facility Enhancement Works are currently underway at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. As part of this project, contractors are actively working on sections of the hospital exterior, including areas facing the main parking lot. Please be advised: Members of the … Continued

Ministry of Health Highlights the Importance of Safe Water and Equality

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is joining the global observance of World Water Day 2026 under the theme “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” World Water Day is observed annually to highlight the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable water management. This year’s theme brings attention to the critical link between access to … Continued