Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Ronald E. Georges has said Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) has reiterated the need for responsible sexual health and consent. GIS/File

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald E. Georges said there is also increasing concern about STI risk among adolescents and young adults, including transactional sexual activity with older adults. Photo: Internet Source

The age of consent in the Virgin Islands is 16 years. Photo: Internet Source

In a statement on HIV, Sexual Health and Personal Responsibility dated August 20, 2026, Dr Georges said sexual health also depends on respect for consent and the law. In the Virgin Islands (VI), the general age of consent is 16.

Sexual activity with a person under the age of 16 is illegal.

Free & meaningful consent 

“For persons aged 16 and over, consent must be freely and meaningfully given. Someone who is unconscious, or whose intoxication or impairment prevents them from understanding, choosing or communicating a decision, cannot give meaningful consent," Dr Georges added. 

Consent, he continued, should never be assumed because sex occurred previously, because someone did not resist, or because money, gifts, transportation or accommodation were provided.

The CMO encouraged parents and caregivers to speak openly with young people about sexual health, consent, healthy relationships, online safety and transactional sex.

In his statement, Dr Georges revealed that 4 new HIV cases were recorded in the VI for 2026 so far. 

Transactional sexual activity

“There is also increasing concern about STI risk among adolescents and young adults, including transactional sexual activity with older adults.”

The CMO said relationships with an imbalance of power can lead to the use of money, gifts, transportation, accommodation or other benefits to obtain sexual access to vulnerable persons. 

“Such situations may raise serious consent, safeguarding, and legal concerns.”

Confidential counseling and rapid HIV testing are available through: Public Health Unit: 468-2282, and BVI Red Cross: 494-6349. Sexually active individuals are encouraged to know their status in addition to practising safe sex habits. 

See link to related article below:

4 new HIV cases recorded in VI for 2026