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.
A record number of utility companies and businesses have registered for the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, set to take place on Sunday, April 27, in Tortola. Hosted for the first time by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), the event will be held on the grounds behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in Road Town. With 14 utility companies and eight private sector participants confirmed, this year’s rodeo marks the largest gathering in the event’s history. Held under the theme “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, the rodeo will bring together teams from across the region for a day of competition, skill-building, and camaraderie.
The confirmed utility companies represent a broad cross-section of the Caribbean and include Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. (Anguilla), Antigua Public Utilities Authority (Antigua), Bahamas Power and Light (Bahamas), Barbados Light & Power Company (Barbados), Belize Electricity Limited (Belize), British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (British Virgin Islands), Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenada), N.V. Elmar (Aruba), N.V. GEBE (St. Maarten), Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (Nevis), St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (St. Kitts), St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Lucia), St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Vincent), and Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (U.S. Virgin Islands), which is also a Gold Sponsor.
In addition to the utility companies, eight businesses and organizations from the private sector will participate: American Wire Group (Bronze Sponsor), Buckingham Manufacturing (Gold Sponsor), Milwaukee Tool, Prime Fleet Services Dielectric, Safety Exports (Silver Sponsor), Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training (Silver Sponsor), BVI Cable TV, and CCT.
The CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo is more than a competition; it is a celebration of technical expertise, teamwork, and regional unity. Each year, the event highlights the critical work of lineworkers while promoting safety practices and professional development. Field demonstrations and challenges are complemented by training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, in line with CARILEC’s mission to strengthen the region’s energy workforce.
Dr. Neil Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, called the event a proud milestone for the Virgin Islands.
“We are incredibly proud to host this historic edition of the CARILEC Rodeo. With the largest group of utility teams and business participants to date, this event underscores the strength of regional collaboration and the growing importance of innovation, training, and workforce development in our industry.”
Chairman of the BVIEC Board, Mr. Sheldon Scatliffe, added:
“This event highlights the importance of investing in our people and infrastructure. We look forward to a day of spirited competition, knowledge exchange, and community pride as we showcase the best of the Caribbean’s lineworker talent—right here in the Virgin Islands.”
The Rodeo will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a March Pass, followed by an Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support their local team, BVIEC, as they aim for a third consecutive win, following previous victories in Saint Lucia (2023) and Antigua (2024).
About BVIEC:
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions while fostering talent development and innovation in the Territory.
About CARILEC:
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation connects electric utilities and industry stakeholders across the Caribbean, promoting resilience, knowledge exchange, and advancement in the regional energy sector
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.
According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.
Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.
Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.
Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”
Carlene Herbert has been officially appointed as the Virgin Islands’ new Supervisor of Elections, effective March 10, bringing more than two decades of experience in governance, public sector administration, and communications to the post.
The announcement was made by the Office of the Deputy Governor, where Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. welcomed Herbert to the role. “Managing elections in the Virgin Islands is no small task,” Archer said. “But I am confident in Ms. Herbert’s ability to succeed in this important position. My office, the Public Service, and I are fully committed to working alongside her as she fulfills this vital role in our community.”
Herbert’s academic background includes dual Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration and Corporate and Trust Administration from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second Class Honours from the University of Essex.
“I am truly honoured and excited for this opportunity to serve my country in this role,” Herbert said. “I am committed to ensuring the continued development and success of elections administration in the Territory.”
As Supervisor of Elections, Herbert will oversee the operations of the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, including the maintenance of the Register of Voters and broader election administration duties. Her appointment follows the departure of former Supervisor of Elections, Scherrie Griffin, who has transitioned to a new position at the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Permanent Secretary Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, acknowledged Griffin’s contributions, stating, “During her time, Ms. Griffin provided stellar leadership to the Office of the Supervisor of Elections. We are immensely grateful for her efforts and wish her the very best as she transitions onward.”
Record Turnout Expected at 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo in British Virgin Islands
Major Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police
Crime in the Virgin Islands Drops to Five-Year Low
-
Uncategorized5 days agoAnother Section of Threlfalls Collapses, Prompting Safety Concerns
-
Local News6 days agoWoman Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash at Fish Bay
-
Local News14 hours ago119 Individuals Granted British Overseas Territories Citizenship in the Virgin Islands
-
Crime/Police7 days agoBVI Begins Vetting of Police Officers, Reopen Search for Commissioner
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoJamaican National Ronnie Identified as Carrot Bay Drowning Victim
-
Uncategorized10 hours agoMajor Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice to Enforce Noise Act Amid Complaints About Loud Scooters, Trucks
-
Local News2 weeks agoMan Drowns After Being Swept Off Rocks by Wave in the Carrot Bay