The second cohort of the BVI Care Certificate Programme were awarded their certificates during a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, commended the graduates of the BVI Care Certificate Programme for their commitment to professional growth and compassionate service. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands now has 38 certified care givers. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Their completion of this training forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s mission to strengthen the health and social care workforce in the Virgin Islands (VI). 

The BVI Care Certificate Programme was designed to establish a gold standard in caregiving, outlining the core knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of health and social care workers. It was developed through the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme, with the intention to serve as the baseline qualification for non-regulated care workers entering the sector.

Graduates are awarded the official Care Certificate and Care Certified Badge, authenticated by the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

More than a milestone- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

Addressing the graduation ceremony, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, commended the graduates for their commitment to professional growth and compassionate service.

“Your achievement today not only reflects your personal dedication but also reaffirms our collective mission of raising the standard of care across the Virgin Islands. This is more than a milestone.  It is a meaningful stride forward in building a foundation of skilled, compassionate caregivers throughout our Territory.”

Meanwhile, Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Lead, Ms Jascinth Hannibal, said this programme is more than training, it is about transforming care. 

“We are building a workforce that is not only competent, but compassionate, not only skilled, but deeply committed to dignity, respect, and accountability.”

38 now certified in care

With these new graduates from the programme, the total number of certified caregivers in the VI is now 38. 

Participants in this cohort represented a wide cross-section of the care sector, including the BVI Health Services Authority, Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly, the Social Development Department’s Home Care Programme.

As part of the programme, participants were trained and assessed against 16 core standards, aligned with the internationally recognised 6Cs of Care, which include Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment.

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https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/2nd-cohort-of-bvi-care-certificate-programme-underway-with-22-participants