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UNOPS visits VI for first time on exploratory mission

- Meets with Works, Finance & Health Ministries on possible collaboration
A team from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) met with Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Photo: Facebook/Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
The United Nations Project Office (UNOPS) specialises in infrastructure development, project management and procurement. Photo: Internet Source
The United Nations Project Office (UNOPS) specialises in infrastructure development, project management and procurement. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A team from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is currently in the Virgin Islands (VI) on an exploratory mission.

The UNOPS has never done work in the VI, and this is the first time they are visiting the territory. The team led by Mr Giuseppe Mancinelli met with Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Virgin Islands Special Envoy Mr E. Benito Wheatley was introduced to the UNOPS team and the work they do. They specialise in infrastructure development, project management and procurement. 

Hon Wheatley, in an interview with Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) this morning, May 23, 2025, explained that this two-day trip to the VI is to explore and see if there are any areas for collaboration in assisting the VI achieve its objectives. 

“We met yesterday afternoon so they could understand what our ambitions are, our aspirations are for healthcare at this point in time,” he said. 

The UNOPS team was briefed on what the Ministry of Health and Social Development has planned to include the building of polyclinics, and improving infrastructure at Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, among other projects. 

Meeting with Communications & Works & Finance

The UNOPS team is not only in the territory to meet and discuss areas for collaboration in health. The team met with the Ministry of Finance this morning and will also meet today with the Ministry of Communications and Works. 

After their meetings today, Hon Wheatley said he will be giving the UNOPS team a brief tour of Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital “so they could look at the infrastructure.”

If time permits, he said, they will also visit a few other clinics so the team could see the layout and understand some of the challenages. 

The UNOPS team will leave the territory tomorrow morning. 

Following this visit, Hon Wheatley said they will continue to engage the UNOPS and may plan a second trip to “do a deeper dive into specific areas”. 

5 Responses to “UNOPS visits VI for first time on exploratory mission ”

  • Lb (23/05/2025, 13:05) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bvi government doing a lot of good work and has the respect of the international community
  • Real (23/05/2025, 13:54) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    get those devils out and keep them out look at how they have haiti and trying to do with africa
    they always say who dont know history will repeat it. Nothing good comes out of them
  • hello (23/05/2025, 14:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Were they invited or they cameç on their own ? Jus asking
  • BuzzBvi (23/05/2025, 15:03) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    I can already see their recommendations.
    1. Fast track corruption more is needed for Independence.
    2. Get Independence against the will of the people as quick as possible
    3. Spend lots of money on a new sign or change the name of the hospital
    4. Get a longer name for the new airport or you will not be spending enough money on a new sign
  • Too many drugs (23/05/2025, 19:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Something strange at the airport beach this evening, 3 men drove on the beach, pulled up and then went into the bushes when 3 planes arrived at the airport.
    They come back and put something in their tyres


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