Ministry Launches Second Cohort of BVI Care Certificate Programme

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has officially launched the second cohort of the BVI Care Certificate Programme, welcoming 22 participants.

Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Jascinth Hannibal, said the training is designed to strengthen standards and improve consistency across health and social care services in the Virgin Islands.

“The Care Certificate Programme equips our care workers with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to deliver safe, dignified, and person-centred care,” Ms. Hannibal said.

She added that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s focus on people and quality service delivery. “Every person receiving care deserves respect, understanding, and excellence, and this programme helps ensure our caregivers are prepared to deliver just that.”

Participants in this cohort represent a broad cross-section of the care sector, including staff from Rainbow Children’s Home, Senior Residential Services, Home Care Services, Virgin Gorda Care Home, the BVI Health Services Authority, and private social care providers. Ms. Hannibal noted that the diverse group supports shared learning, collaboration, and the promotion of high-quality, standardised care across multiple service environments.

As part of the programme, participants will be trained and assessed against 16 core standards aligned with the internationally recognised 6Cs of Care: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. Training will include structured classroom sessions alongside workplace-based assessments to ensure learning is applied in real-world care settings.

The BVI Care Certificate Programme forms part of the Ministry’s wider efforts to strengthen the health and social care system and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the Territory.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands through effective policies, sustainable programmes, and strategic partnerships that support a safe, healthy, and resilient society.