The government of the Virgin Islands celebrated the commitment of thirty-four public officers during the Public Service Star Membership Club Pinning Ceremony held on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, told the honourees that their steady commitment continues to advance the Virgin Islands. “Today, we pause to celebrate excellence in service, excellence in professionalism, and excellence in the quiet, steady commitment that keeps our Virgin Islands moving forward every single day.” Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The ceremony recognised public officers who received commendations through the Rate Us platform for consistently delivering professional, courteous, and high-quality service across the Virgin Islands Public Service.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), told the honourees that their steady commitment continues to advance the Virgin Islands.

“Today, we pause to celebrate excellence in service, excellence in professionalism, and excellence in the quiet, steady commitment that keeps our Virgin Islands moving forward every single day.” 

Programme shines a well-deserved light on public officers

He added that the Public Service Star Membership Programme shines a well-deserved light on public officers who consistently go above and beyond.

Meantime, Deputy Governor, Mr David D. Archer Jr, said the Star Membership Club continues to support the wider vision of building a world-class Public Service. 

“The journey toward becoming a world-class Public Service is not only measured by policies, by systems, or by transformation initiatives. It is measured by the people who bring those systems to life every day. The individuals and departments being recognised have demonstrated that excellence is not an abstract goal. It is visible in how we respond, how we serve, how we solve problems, and how we represent the Government of the Virgin Islands to the people who depend on us.” 

Director of Customer Service, Ms Kedimone Rubaine, stated, “This ceremony is part of a broader and deliberate effort to institutionalise service excellence across the Virgin Islands Public Service,” Ms Rubaine said. “It reflects a shift from viewing good service as desirable to establishing it as a defined and measurable standard.”

 Special awards presented 

The 2026 Stephanie Benn Award for Customer Service Excellence 2025 was presented to Mr Damien Williams, Senior Learning & Development Manager of VIPSLI. The award is one of the highest recognitions within the Rate Us Programme and honours the late Mrs Stephanie P. Benn, who was known for her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to raising the standard of customer service.

The first Deputy Governor’s Award for Customer Care Excellence 2025 was presented to Ms Shelane Penn of the Customer Service Care Centre. The award was introduced to recognise outstanding performance in frontline service delivery within the Centre’s high-volume customer service environment.

During the ceremony, 13 public officers received Bronze Star Membership Pins, 11 received Silver Star Membership Pins, 5 attained Gold Membership, and 5 achieved Elite Membership. The awards were based on commendations received from  July 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.