Remarks by Premier and Minister for Finance

Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley

Public Service Week Recognition Ceremony

“Celebrating our People, Strengthening our Service”

9 October, 2025

Good morning to all our valued, dedicated, and truly exceptional public officers, as well as to all our special guests joining us today.

It fills me with great pride and joy to stand before you as we celebrate you — the driving force, the backbone, and the heartbeat of the Virgin Islands Public Service. This year’s theme, “Celebrating our People, Strengthening our Service,” captures the very essence of what makes our Territory thrive: our people — you — who serve with passion, commitment, and excellence every single day.

Public officers are the engine that keeps the machinery of government moving. From Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda to Tortola, your hands and hearts touch every corner of this Territory. You are the ones who ensure that our schools run, our hospitals care, our ports operate, our communities stay safe, and our people continue to prosper.

Through storms, challenges, and triumphs, you have shown resilience beyond measure. You rise above the obstacles, find solutions, and keep our Virgin Islands moving forward. Your work is not just service, it is nation-building. And for that, we say a resounding thank you!

Today, we pay special tribute to approximately 220 remarkable officers who have reached milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service. What an incredible achievement! Each of those years represents countless acts of dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your enduring service. You are the pillars upon which our progress stands.

I must also highlight one of the most significant triumphs in the recent history of our Public Service — your instrumental role in preserving the self-government of the Virgin Islands. Through your tireless dedication, you completed the demanding Governance Reform agenda. This effort not only strengthened our institutions but also demonstrated to the world the integrity and capability of the Virgin Islands Public Service.

Your collective excellence compelled the UK Foreign Secretary to start the process of lifting the Order in Council. This momentous victory protected over half a century of progress and self-determination. This was no small feat. You proved the doubters wrong. You showed that the Virgin Islands Public Service stands second to none.

This is your legacy. This is your moment. And today, we celebrate you!

Let this Public Service Week be a time of pride, reflection, and renewed energy. Continue to lift one another, continue to innovate, and lead with integrity and purpose. Remember, the future of these Virgin Islands is being shaped every day by the work that you do.

Our greatest asset is not our natural beauty, nor our resources; it is our people. And you, our public officers, are the shining example of what dedication, resilience, and excellence look like.

So today, and every day, we say thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your heart. And thank you for your unwavering commitment to the progress of our beloved Virgin Islands.

Together, we are celebrating our people and strengthening our service, because with your continued passion and purpose, the Virgin Islands will continue to grow stronger.

May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.

###