Care Certificate Graduates Set To Strengthen Territory’s
The Ministry of Health and Social Development marked a milestone on April 28 when 20 participants graduated from the second cohort of the BVI Care Certificate, bringing the Territory’s total of certified caregivers to 38. According to a government release, the programme — adapted through the UK Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme — aims to create a baseline qualification for non-regulated care workers and strengthen collaboration across public and private care providers. The ministry and programme leaders say the new graduates will help raise standards of compassionate, competent care across the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the BVI Care Certificate during a ceremony held on Tuesday, April 28, when 20 participants completed the programme and received their official Care Certificate and Care Certified Badge.
According to a BVI Government press release, this brings the total number of certified caregivers across the Virgin Islands to 38. Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, commended the graduates for their commitment to professional growth and compassionate service. “Your achievement today not only reflects your personal dedication but also reaffirms our collective mission of raising the standard of care across the Virgin Islands,” he said, calling the milestone “a meaningful stride forward in building a foundation of skilled, compassionate caregivers throughout our Territory.” The ministry attributed the remarks to its official statement (BVI Government).
The BVI Care Certificate Programme was developed to establish a gold standard in caregiving by outlining the core knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of health and social care workers. Adapted through the UK Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme, the training is intended to serve as the baseline qualification for non-regulated care workers entering the sector, the government release said.
Graduates receive both the Care Certificate and a Care Certified Badge authenticated by the Ministry of Health and Social Development. Chief Nursing Officer and Programme Lead Ms. Jascinth Hannibal described the programme as transformational, saying it “is about more than training.
We are building a workforce that is not only competent, but compassionate, not only skilled, but deeply committed to dignity, respect, and accountability.” Her comments were included in the ministry’s media statement. Participants in this cohort came from a wide cross-section of care providers, reflecting growing collaboration across the Territory.
The cohort included staff and caregivers from the BVI Health Services Authority, Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly, the Social Development Department’s Home Care Programme, and private caregivers — a mix the ministry said underscores an emerging standardised approach to care across the Islands.
Training and assessment covered 16 core standards aligned with the internationally recognised 6Cs of Care: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. The curriculum is designed to better equip graduates to support elderly residents, people receiving home care, and other vulnerable community members, according to the government statement.
Minister Wheatley also thanked programme coordinator Ms. Hannibal, local trainers, international partners and support teams for their roles in the initiative. The Ministry of Health and Social Development reiterated its commitment to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of BVI residents through policies, sustainable programmes and strategic partnerships that build a safe, healthy and resilient care workforce (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government