Deputy Governor Reports Public Service Growth
Deputy Governor David Archer says the Virgin Islands Public Service made 'significant growth' in 2025, highlighting new training initiatives and expanded development opportunities for more than 2,400 public officers. He urged continued improvement and accountability as the territory prepares for 2026.
Deputy Governor David Archer has reported "significant growth" in the Virgin Islands Public Service over the past year, praising staff efforts and new professional development initiatives in his November Monthly Message reflecting on 2025. Mr Archer acknowledged the contribution of more than 2,400 public officers working across departments and agencies and said the public service introduced structured learning opportunities to strengthen skills and capacity. "We have introduced learning hours in the public service, where every public officer is encouraged to attend, learn, and commit to their personal development over time," he said.
He highlighted the role of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, which Mr Archer said has developed programmes and projects designed to enhance public officers' competencies. He expressed gratitude to the institute for its contributions, noting that targeted training supports both individual career growth and the territory's overall administrative capability.
Improving the public service, Mr Archer reminded staff, is ultimately for the benefit of residents and the wider community. "The work that we do—our initiatives and our efforts—are aimed at improving the public service to ensure that the public we serve is happy and content," he said.
He added that individual improvement contributes to collective progress: "As we grow individually, we will also grow collectively, contributing to the wider fabric of a better Virgin Islands. Each public officer should know that you are capable and have the potential to contribute not only to your own growth but also to the growth of the entire territory." Looking ahead, the Deputy Governor urged continued momentum as the territory approaches 2026, stressing transformation and accountability. "As we approach 2026, let's remember that we are the public service.
We aim to transform and become better than we have been before, and we will be held accountable for our progress," he said. For residents, the emphasis on training and learning hours could translate into more efficient and responsive government services — from faster permitting and licensing to improved disaster preparedness and customer service at government offices.
The message reinforces the government's focus on capacity-building as the BVI seeks to strengthen governance, support economic activity, and improve everyday interactions between the public and public agencies. Mr Archer's remarks frame 2025 as a year of investment in people, with the promise that measurable improvements will follow as staff apply new skills and standards across the public sector.
Primary source: VINO