Local News

Haycraft Family’s Generous Donation Supports Marine Studies Program at HLSCC

Published

2 years ago

July 12, 2023

Editor

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.

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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

2 days ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

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.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

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

Entertainment

Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

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.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.