Half-Day for Public Officers Nov 18; Public
The Governor has granted a half-day for public officers on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, ahead of the UberSoca Cruise port call in Road Town. The Ministry of Education has since issued a bulletin saying public schools will also close at 12:00 PM that day to align with revised public service hours and to help manage expected traffic and crowds.
The Government has announced a half-day for public officers on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in anticipation of heavy traffic tied to the arrival of the UberSoca Cruise, officials say. In a letter to public servants dated November 13 and seen by our News Centre, Deputy Governor Mr Archer Jr. said the decision follows a request from the Premier and is intended to reduce congestion expected when the cruise docks at Cyril B.
The letter advises normal working hours on November 18 will be 8:30 AM to 12:00 noon and notes the adjustment was made "in advance of the commencement of the Uber Soca Tramp, which is scheduled to begin at or around 2:00 PM," the document states (VINO). The decision was guided by the risk assessment included in the Mass Gathering Plan submitted by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the Deputy Governor added, and Heads of Departments were asked to make arrangements to ensure the continuation of essential services during the afternoon period.
The government emphasised that critical functions—such as emergency services, utilities and other essential public-facing operations—must remain available to the public. A follow-up bulletin from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports issued on Friday, November 14, confirmed schools will dismiss at 12:00 PM on Tuesday to accommodate the hosting of UberSoca events in Tortola (VINO).
The Ministry said the early closure aligns with the revised working hours for public officers and is intended to ensure schools can operate safely and effectively under the new arrangements. The UberSoca Cruise — billed as the largest soca festival at sea — will make its inaugural stop in the Virgin Islands as part of its Ocean's 11 Edition.
Departing from Miami, Florida, the ship is expected to bring more than 3,000 visitors to Tortola, with a scheduled port call from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday (VINO). The Ministry’s bulletin also says the visit is expected to contribute over $750,000 to the local economy (VINO). Residents and businesses in Road Town and surrounding communities are being warned to expect delays, limited parking and increased pedestrian activity near the Pier Park area from mid-afternoon.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, consider alternative routes, or postpone non-essential trips into Road Town until after the event. Tour operators, taxi services and local vendors have been urged to prepare for increased demand. Officials say the move seeks to balance welcoming visitors and protecting public safety while minimising disruption to everyday services for residents.
The Government and the Ministry of Education have both asked the public to follow guidance from authorities on the day and to check departmental announcements for any further adjustments.
Primary source: VINO