Nekita Turnbull Takes Helm as Chief Information
The Government of the Virgin Islands announces the appointment of Ms. Nekita Turnbull as the new Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information and Public Relations. With a strong background in communications and public relations, Turnbull is set to spearhead the modernisation of government communications and improve public engagement.
In a strategic move to strengthen its communications arm, the Government of the Virgin Islands has officially appointed Ms. Nekita Turnbull as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Information and Public Relations, effective August 1, 2025. This announcement follows Turnbull's interim tenure after the retirement of the previous CIO in 2024.
Turnbull, a veteran in the field of communications, brings to the table a wealth of experience garnered from her previous roles within the government and the private sector. Before ascending to the role of CIO, she was the Deputy Chief Information Officer, overseeing the department's human resources operations, including training and staff development.
Her career also includes a stint as an Information Officer and a position as Marketing Manager at CTL Home Centre, highlighting her diverse expertise in communications and marketing. Educationally, Turnbull is well-prepared for the challenges of her new role, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Advertising from the University of South Florida, along with an Associate of Arts in English from the H.
Her academic credentials are further bolstered by a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from the Chartered Management Institute, and multiple certifications in media and communications. The appointment comes at a critical time as the government seeks to modernize and enhance its communication strategies.
Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, expressed confidence in Turnbull’s capabilities, noting her successful completion of courses designed to prepare her for this leadership role and a recent secondment to the Government of the Cayman Islands. As CIO, Turnbull is charged with developing a comprehensive reform strategy for the Department of Information and Public Relations.
Her responsibilities will include drafting, editing, and publishing communications products to support public policy, monitoring public opinion on government projects, and implementing recommendations to streamline processes and procedures. The Department of Information and Public Relations, under the Premier’s Office, plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication between the government and the Virgin Islands community.
With Turnbull at the helm, the department is poised to enhance its effectiveness in promoting transparency, public understanding, and engagement with governmental activities. This strategic appointment underscores the government's commitment to leveraging communications as a tool for fostering a more informed and engaged public.
Turnbull’s appointment is not just a testament to her individual capabilities but also a reflection of the government's broader agenda to strengthen its operational foundations through strategic leadership and innovation in public service communication.
Primary source: BVI Government