Senior Managers from across the public service were engaged in the quarterly Sister Islands Coordination Committee Meeting on Anegada on August 27, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Finding solutions to the recent influx on Sargassum Seaweed, infrastructural upgrades, updates to government offices, providing support to public officers, were the focus of discussion among other topics during the Sister Islands Quarterly Meeting on Anegada on August 27, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Senior Managers in the Public Service conducted site visits to more than five locations on Anegada that are of concern and interest to following the initial discussion on August 27, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

The Sister Islands Coordination Committee (SICC) is chaired by the Deputy Governor and serves as the coordinating body for the discussion, management and implementation of solutions to various issues across the Sister Islands.

During the meeting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Sister Islands Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Monel Nickie and District Officers presented on issues based on an existing database and on comments received from community members.

Attendees at the meeting included representation from the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ministry of Communications and Works and the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Finding solutions to the recent influx of Sargassum Seaweed, infrastructural upgrades, updates to government offices, and providing support to public officers were the focus of discussion among other topics.

Issues on the Sister Islands are just as important as those on Tortola

Chairing the meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome, outlined that meetings of the SICC are critical to ensuring the Sister Islands receive the support needed to solve complex and persistent issues that may arise.

Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome said, “The Sister Islands and the issues they face are just as important as what we deal with on Tortola. These committee meetings, especially considering the fact that we hold it on different islands, allow us to bring these concerns to the forefront and address them with the urgency that they deserve.”

She reassured that Senior Managers remain fully committed to serving each and every island and community within the Virgin Islands.

Site visits conducted

The Senior Managers also conducted site visits to more than five locations on Anegada that are of concern and interest to following the initial discussion. Sites included the new Solar Farm at BVI Eelectricity Corporation, the Theodolph Faulkner Administration Building, the Anegada Community Library, the Auguste George International Airport and others.

District Officer for Anegada, Ms. Shirley Vanterpool expressed her gratitude for the SICC Meeting being held on Anegada and stated that the Senior Managers will now gain first-hand knowledge of the concerns of residents, speak to them and formulate responses based on what is seen on the ground.