Youth/Education
Tortola to host VI College Fair Thursday
By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor
The Tortola event of the three-island 2023 Virgin Islands College Fair is scheduled to place on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the new Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rams Media Group has announced.
Senior students – 11th and 12 graders – and community members are invited to attend and interact with college recruiters from the United States and the Virgin Islands, the Group – the official media/entertainment organization for ESHS – said on its Facebook page.
“[The] BVI’s very own H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will also be in attendance to present their amazing programs!” Rams Media stated.
The Fair kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 14 on St. Croix. It wraps up on Friday, February 17, 2023 after its showcase on St. Thomas.
The annual event serves as a guide in preparing students, making them abreast of programmes and scholarships, officials said in a Virgin Islands news report.
According to Rams, other institutions which have been participating in the fair are:
Coppin State University
Monroe College
Cannon University
US Naval Academy
Paine College
Johnson C. Smith University
FAMU
Delaware State University
University of the Virgin Islands
Morgan State University
Inter-American University of Puerto Rico
Oakwood University
Huston-Tillotson University
Spelman College
Tuskegee University
Virginia State University
West Virginia State University
Stillman College
VI Army National Guard
VI Air National Guard
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
The Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation has enriched the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School with a collection of books spotlighting the Virgin Islands’ rich history, heritage, and culture.
The donation, presented by Abigail O’Neal, Executive Director of the Foundation, comes as part of the organization’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural legacy while fostering a love for reading.
“Every school year, my father would donate books by local and other authors to schools throughout the Territory,” said O’Neal. “It’s my humble pleasure to carry on this tradition as part of the Foundation’s work.”
During her visit to the school, O’Neal found herself inspired by the students’ palpable enthusiasm for learning. One student proudly shared that he was juggling three books at once, a testament to the school’s nurturing environment and the students’ thirst for knowledge.
“It is so important that our children develop a love for the written word in all forms. Reading not only educates but expands one’s vision and transports readers to different worlds,” O’Neal emphasized.
The donation includes several rare and out-of-print titles, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to reintroduce pivotal historical works to the Virgin Islands community. These books, O’Neal explained, are vital for preserving the wisdom and lessons of the past.
Engaging with the students, she encouraged discussions about the significance of history. The students’ collective response — “Because those lessons can help us inform the future” — underscored the lasting impact of such initiatives.
O’Neal also commended the efforts of Ms. Powell and her teaching staff for creating an environment that fosters academic curiosity and excellence. She extended her gratitude to Victor International and the Johnson Family for their continued support of education in Virgin Gorda.
For more information, please contact: Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation
Educator and author Medita Malone Wheatley will unveil her latest edited book on Monday, May 6, titled, “A Snapshot of the Virgin Islands Secondary School Under Principal Carlisle Scott” at the Elmore Stoutt High School in the British Virgin Islands.
This compelling book offers a glimpse into the transformative tenure of Mr. Carlisle Scott, featuring firsthand accounts from students and teachers who were profoundly impacted by his leadership between 1956 and 1968.
Mrs. Wheatley, deeply influenced by Mr. Scott’s teachings, meticulously edited the text with a sense of duty and reverence, aiming to honour his legacy.
“For me, the launch of Mr. Scott’s book is a sacred obligation,” remarked Mrs. Wheatley. “His impact on secondary education has left an indelible mark on the Virgin Islands, resonating across various spheres, from socio-cultural to socio-economic realms.”
The book, filled with nostalgic testimonials and notes from Mr. Scott himself, boasts contributions from prominent figures including Elton Georges OBE, CMG; Canon Gibson, and Miss Adorothy Turnbull, among others.
Dr. Katherine Smith, Director of Culture, emphasized the profound link between education and societal development, praising Mrs. Wheatley’s endeavor to capture this connection.
“The individuals molded by Mr. Carlisle Scott at the Virgin Islands Secondary School went on to become pillars of society,” noted Dr. Smith. “Their achievements in diverse fields underscore the lasting impact of Mr. Scott’s leadership.”
The launch, set to take place at the Elmore Stoutt High School, promises to be a poignant event, offering attendees a chance to delve into the rich educational history of the Virgin Islands.
The Department of Culture encourages the public to join in celebrating local authors and preserving the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. For further details about the book launch program, individuals can contact the Department of Culture at 468-4379.
Hon. Kye Rymer
The Public Works Department (PWD) has installed solar radar school zone signs at the Willard Wheatley Primary and the Ivan Dawson Primary Schools.
Director of the PWD, Mr. Jeremy Hodge, emphasised the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of the Territory’s children. He highlighted that the installation of these signs marks the commencement of a pilot project, with plans for further installations at other schools across the Territory in the pipeline.
“These signs read the speed of oncoming vehicles, alerting motorists of how fast they are travelling,” stated Mr. Hodge, underlining the functionality of the newly implemented radar signs.
Honourable Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, echoed the government’s commitment to advancing road safety initiatives during a recent session of the House of Assembly. He announced plans to introduce solar-powered crosswalk signals as another component of the Territory’s ongoing efforts to promote greener, safer, and more pedestrian-friendly environments.
“The solar-powered crosswalks are signage that flashes to get the attention of oncoming traffic, thereby bringing awareness to drivers that a pedestrian is intending to cross the street,” explained Honourable Rymer, emphasising the importance of these innovative safety measures.
Photos of the electronic crosswalks at the Willard Wheatley and Ivan Dawson Schools.
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