Nigel Caines Appointed Chief Surveyor
Nigel Caines has been formally appointed Chief Surveyor in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced in an official press release from the Office of the Deputy Governor and shared by the Government Information Service (GIS). New reporting from Guavaberry adds that Caines brings over 27 years of service and experience to the role and has spent his entire career within the Land and Survey Department.
Nigel Caines has been formally appointed Chief Surveyor in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced in an official press release issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor and shared by the Government Information Service (GIS).
Guavaberry’s reporting on the appointment adds that Mr. Caines brings more than twenty-seven years of service and experience in land surveying and has spent his entire career within the Land and Survey Department of the Virgin Islands Government. Caines began his career in the Land and Survey Department in 1997 as a Trainee Surveyor and has progressed through every professional level in the department.
According to the Government release and corroborated by Guavaberry, his career path included roles as CAD Trainee, CAD Technician II, Surveyor I, Surveyor II, Senior Surveyor and Acting Chief Surveyor — a structured progression the Government describes as a deliberate succession pathway built on technical competence, institutional knowledge and demonstrated leadership at each stage.
During his time as Acting Chief Surveyor, Mr. Caines provided executive oversight of departmental operations, staff management and cadastral administration, the press release stated. Coverage from GIS and local outlets including VINO and Guavaberry highlights that throughout his career he has supervised public surveys, authenticated survey plans, worked to resolve boundary disputes, managed cadastral information systems and supported land registration processes — work that helps maintain accurate land records, clear property boundaries and orderly development across the Virgin Islands.
Caines holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying and Mapping from the University of East London, a Diploma in Management from the Chartered Management Institute, and an Associate Degree in General Studies (Land Surveying) from Valencia Community College. The Government statement also notes he has served as a part-time lecturer in land surveying at H.
Lavity Stoutt Community College, contributing to the training of the next generation of local professionals. Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Dr. In comments repeated by VINO and carried by Guavaberry, Dr. Smith-Berkeley said: "Congratulations to Mr Nigel Caines on his appointment as Chief Surveyor.
His progression from trainee surveyor to this senior leadership role is a significant and commendable achievement. It reflects years of dedication, professional growth, and a deep commitment to excellence in the field of surveying... This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and the valuable contributions he has made to the organisation.
I extend our best wishes to Mr Caines for continued success as he takes on the responsibilities of Chief Surveyor, and I am confident he will continue to lead with integrity, professionalism, and vision." Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Caines said he was "deeply honoured to be appointed Chief Surveyor," and that his journey has been shaped by mentorship, continuous learning and public service.
He added he looks forward to working with the team and stakeholders to "uphold professional standards, strengthen systems, and ensure efficient, transparent services for the people of the Virgin Islands," according to the Government release and media reports. The Government frames the appointment as an example of effective succession planning within the Public Service and part of a broader commitment to training and development for public officers.
Residents and professional stakeholders can expect continuity in the Land and Survey Department’s work as Mr. Caines assumes leadership and seeks to maintain accurate, up-to-date survey data that supports infrastructure delivery, hazard recovery and investor confidence. The original press release listed Jaimeson Hazel of the Office of the Deputy Governor/Governor’s Group as contact and provided BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and (284) 468-3701 for enquiries and general services.
Primary source: BVI Government