Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), has called the decision of Ponce Health Sciences University (PSHU) to open a campus in the Virgin Islands (VI) as a “bold step”. Photo: GIS

The Class of 2029 of the Ponce Health Sciences University Virgin Islands campus recceived their white coats on July 10, 2025. Photo: GIS

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the official opening of the Ponce Health Sciences University Virgin Islands campus is a historic milestone. Photo: GIS

The medical school marked the opening of its campus in the Virgin Islands with the White Coat Ceremony of the school’s first VI cohort on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Elieene L. Parsons Auditorium. 

The school will operate at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) campus in Paraquita Bay, Tortola.

A new chapter in VI history- Hon de Castro

“By bringing this programme to our shores, PHSU has made it possible for you to begin your journey in medicine in a place that now also becomes a part of your professional identity,” Hon de Castro told the 32 student doctors. 

She told them the moment carries “even more weight” because they are the school's first cohort here in the VI. 

“You are stitching the very first seams of a new chapter in the Virgin Islands’ history. You are not just wearing a coat, you are helping to tailor what medical education, professionalism, and excellence will look like here for generations to come.”

Historic milestone- Premier Wheatley 

Meantime, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the white coat ceremony and official opening of the VI’s PHSU campus is a “historic milestone” in the Territory’s ongoing development. 

He called the staff and faculty of the school pioneers for the students, especially those who travelled from abroad to be part of the inaugural class.

The Class of 2029 has students from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 

Government & people support you 

The Premier said this partnership between the Virgin Islands and PHSU represents more than an academic adventure. He said it is a strategic investment in our future and an opportunity to strengthen VI’s healthcare system by cultivating local talent and building lasting institutional capacity. 

“This vision is for a healthier, more resilient territory and a legacy that will benefit future generations.”

He told the students to always remember that they are not alone in this journey. 

“The government and people of the Virgin Islands fully support you.”

Premier Wheatley also encouraged the students to immerse themselves in the island life while staying focused and disciplined in their studies.