Local News
Haycraft Family’s Generous Donation Supports Marine Studies Program at HLSCC
The late Mr. Peter Haycraft’s family is paying tribute to his legacy and supporting the next generation of professionals in the marine industry through a generous monetary gift to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s (HLSCC) Centre for Applied Marine Studies.
The family has pledged a significant donation to fund paid apprenticeships for participants enrolled in the College’s Marine Professional Training (MPT) program. The initial focus will be on providing this opportunity to the twelve students in each cohort, who undergo ten consecutive weeks of intensive workshops covering six certification modules, followed by eight weeks of apprenticeship. Additionally, the family’s contribution was supplemented by several smaller donations from the hosts of MPT’s Cohort 5 apprenticeships.
In a joint effort with Nanny Cay, the family has also donated three 40ft. containers to support the instruction of the Fire Prevention and Basic Fire Fighting module within the College’s Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers course. These containers are currently located on the College’s South Campus.
Dr. Richard Georges, President of HLSCC, expressed his gratitude to the Haycraft family, stating, “We are truly grateful that the Haycraft family has chosen to support our Marine and Maritime programs in honor of Mr. Peter Haycraft. Mr. Haycraft’s philanthropic legacy in the Territory is enduring, and these gifts to the College ensure that generations of Virgin Islanders will benefit from his spirit of generosity.”
The family revealed that Mr. Peter Haycraft began his career at the age of 16, joining the Merchant Navy as an apprentice. Over the next decade, he gained valuable experience working on various vessels worldwide, ranging from oil tankers to coastal trading ships, all while pursuing his Master’s Ticket. Eventually, he arrived in Tortola as the captain of The Youth of Tortola, overseeing the ferry operations between Tortola and St. Thomas. Mr. Haycraft played a pivotal role in establishing direct shipping routes from Europe and North America to Tortola even before the construction of Port Purcell. This involved unloading cargo from anchored vessels in Road Harbour, manually transferring it to the ferry dock, and transporting it to warehouses.
In 1962, Mr. Haycraft purchased a 57ft Motor Fishing vessel in the United Kingdom and successfully sailed the Kilros across the Atlantic to Tortola. He later acquired three barges from Antigua, completing the fleet necessary for efficient cargo transportation from ship to shore. This marked the beginning of Island Shipping and Trading Co. Furthermore, Mr. Haycraft became the only qualified local to serve as a Harbour Pilot, fulfilling this duty for many years, including guiding the Royal Yacht Britannia with the late Queen Elizabeth on board.
As Road Town Wholesale Co. expanded, Mr. Haycraft was determined to involve his local staff, enabling them to become shareholders and providing opportunities for further education and training abroad. He led by example, never shying away from hard work or long hours, and expected the same dedication from his employees, many of whom benefited from his guidance and mentorship, fostering loyalty to the company.
The Haycraft family expressed their motivation for supporting this program, stating, “We are committed to ensuring the continuity of this program as we firmly believe in its significance for the future of the British Virgin Islands.”
For more information about HLSCC’s marine and maritime programs or to contribute as a donor to the College, please contact Ms. Susan Zaluski, Director of Marine and Maritime Studies, at szaluski@hlscc.edu.vg, and Ms. Yvonne Crabbe, Director of Institutional Advancement, at ycrabbe@hlscc.edu.vg.
The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
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