“Parents, caregivers and professionals now have an avenue in which to learn and become better equipped to cater to the needs of the autism population in the BVI. My Government is keen to begin this new direction with a sense of renewed hope for children as well as adults with autism,” Honourable Smith said. Premier Smith also said the programme is reflective of how persons learn and think differently, saying those differences “signify that our approaches to each other cannot be accommodated by a one-size-fits-all solution.” The Honourable Premier also highlighted the other ways in which Autism is being addressed, mentioning the Territory’s involvement in the fourth annual USVI Conference on Autism. In addition, the Premier’s wife Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE and adviser in the Ministry of Education Mrs. Lorna Dawson recently met with the USVI’s Coordinator of Special Needs Programmes to discuss how both the VI and USVI can collaborate to address autism needs.

Honourable Smith said that Government also recognises that autism is a growing challenge and encouraged the public to support each other whenever possible, adding, “We recognise that the well-being of the differently-abled population is crucial to their own personal development and overall in building a better Virgin Islands for all.” The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the Territory’s residents through the implementation of social policies and programmes.