News
Annie L. Malone-Frett Out! Retires after over 35 years of public service
STATION AVENUE, Road Town, VI- Word reaching our news centre from persons familiar with the matter is that the Chief Social Development Officer, Mrs Annie L. Malone-Frett, has retired from the public service after over 35 years. It is reported that Friday, January 31, 2025, was her last day on the job.
Protecting children is more than reacting to harm- Hon Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- "Protecting children is more than reacting to harm; it is about building systems of trust and safety." This is according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) on the occasion of World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse observed November 19, 2024.
VI honours 7 centenarians
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Seven centenarians were recently honoured by the Social Development Department for reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years.
Social Development takes on streamlined approach to managing grants
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The local Social Development Department has underscored its commitment to ensuring confidentiality and equity in delivering public assistance to persons across the Virgin Islands, through more accessible and streamlined social services in the VI.
VI honours 6 centenarians on National Centenarian Day
ROAD TOWN, Tortola- The Territory’s centenarians were honoured by the Social Development Department for their collective resilience, wisdom and resourcefulness having experienced life’s joys and sorrows for a century and beyond.
Short-staffed Social Devt Dept now ‘burdened’ with more work- Hon Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Amidst staff shortages in the Social Development Department, Minister for Health and Social Development under the Unity Government, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has referred to new responsibilities given to the department as an extra burden on staff.
‘We need to go see how people are living in the communities’- Hon Penn
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) says in order for persons who really need help to benefit from social assistance, community outreaches must be done by Social Development Department.
Gov't begins transition of public grants to Social Development Dept
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has announced a new transitional period for the deliverance of public assistance grants in keeping with prescribed reforms coming out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations.
Hon Vanterpool wants elected Reps to stop assisting persons financially
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition legislator Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) has called for the $10,000 per month given to each District Representative to assist constituents, be instead channelled to the Social Development Department in the Ministry of Health.
Parents in VI urged to prepare for Hurricane Season
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- All parents and guardians are reminded to make the necessary preparations to safeguard their children this Hurricane Season.

