Local News
NEW APPOINTMENT: Chidi Liburd Is The New HLSCC Director Of Robert Mathavious Institute For Financial Services
Chidi Liburd is the new Director for the Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services (RMI) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Paraquita Bay, Parham Town, British Virgin Islands.
President of HLSCC, Dr. Richard Georges in a recent statement from the college said Liburd will be responsible for providing the RMI with leadership in curricular issues, customer service, human relations and ensuring that the organisation’s course offerings are delivered.
“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Liburd to the institution to take up management of the RMI. The Institute is well-positioned to deliver the best quality programmes and certification to the financial services industry. Ms. Liburd’s recruitment is meant to allow us to broaden the ambit of the Institute’s influence and impact and we look forward to working with her,” Dr. Georges said.
In response, Liburd said the RMI is in a unique position to upskill and develop individuals’ proficiencies in the ever-changing financial services environment.
“I believe that RMI is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the ever-changing financial services environment. Presently, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Quantum Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping financial services and RMI is in a position to provide the avenues for individuals to upskill and develop their proficiencies.”
RMI is the only professional qualification centre for financial services in the BVI, offering professional programmes since 2002.
Liburd added: “As Director, I am focused on working closely with the RMI team, government, financial institutions, and other organisations to develop and deliver the required face-to-face and online professional programmes and courses to ensure current and potential employees are provided with the knowledge and skills to perform exceptionally well in the current climate. I will also ensure that individuals within the local and regional communities are kept abreast of changes within the global financial industry and are able to meet the CPD requirements of the professional bodies by hosting several in-person and online webinars, seminars, and conferences throughout the academic year.”
Ms. Liburd served as Vice President of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) St. Kitts, Chief Financial Officer of National Commercial Bank of Anguilla and Executive Manager of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited.
Earlier in her career, she taught at the Cayon Primary School St. Kitts and was an adjunct lecturer at the CFBC.
Liburd holds a Master of Science degree (Msc) in International Securities, Investments and Banking from the University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom; an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) Honours Degree from the University of Essex, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Economics and Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus,
Barbados.
She is currently pursuing a diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) and is a Commonwealth Scholar and a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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