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HLSCC Expands its Marine and Maritime Offerings with Tech Workshop Series
In a move to enhance its marine and maritime training programs, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has partnered with MarineMax Vacations and Nanny Cay to launch a Tech Workshop Series. The expansion of the Beyond Curriculum Courses aims to provide immersive educational opportunities for individuals in the maritime sector.
Ms. Marva Wheatley, the Dean of the Workforce Training Division at HLSCC, expressed gratitude to MarineMax Vacations and Nanny Cay for their support and commitment to educational initiatives in the maritime industry. Wheatley highlighted the importance of upskilling and improving individual competencies through these courses.
The Tech Workshop Series is designed to cater to marine technicians seeking certifications in the latest equipment and technologies. The short and practical workshops are also suitable for captains, crew members, and other professionals in the marine field who want to enhance their skills in routine vessel maintenance.
The collaboration between HLSCC and MarineMax Vacations and Nanny Cay brings global expertise and access to manufacturers, dealers, and distributors in the marine industry. This partnership allows HLSCC to provide specialized training on the latest marine equipment and technologies.
The Tech Workshop Series commenced in late August, coinciding with the annual hurricane lay-up period for charter fleets. The workshops offer hands-on training and servicing opportunities for marine professionals, ensuring they stay updated with the industry’s evolving demands.
Mr. Matthew Holt, the Marine Programme Manager at HLSCC, emphasized the British Virgin Islands’ reputation as a leading jurisdiction for marine maintenance, service, and repair. He highlighted the significance of continuing education and collaboration with marine industry leaders to maintain the territory’s excellence in the field.
MarineMax Vacations’ Charter Fleet Support Manager, Mr. Phil Underwood, expressed their pleasure in contributing to the enhanced training opportunities for BVI professionals. He acknowledged the importance of keeping the Virgin Islands’ marine heritage and reputation strong through continuous education and training.
The Tech Workshop Series has already seen success with the delivery of courses on topics such as Basic Outboard Engine Maintenance, Air Conditioning Systems, and Water Making Systems. Renowned industry experts from companies like WEBASTO and SPECTRA Watermakers have conducted these workshops, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge.
Jarel Smith, a local technician with years of experience, praised the collaboration between HLSCC, MarineMax, and Nanny Cay. Having benefited from specialized training himself, Smith expressed his satisfaction with the opportunities available for local technicians to enhance their skills and contribute to the marine industry’s growth.
In addition to the Beyond Curriculum Courses, HLSCC offers semester-based programs of study, including a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate Degree in Marine Technology. The college is integrating components of the Tech Workshop Series into these programs, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education that aligns with global industry standards.
Upcoming workshops will focus on Basic Outboard Engine and Basic Diesel Engine technologies, featuring renowned manufacturers such as MERCURY MARINE and VOLVO-PENTA. Interested individuals can register for these workshops through the Marine & Maritime Interest Form.
To learn more about HLSCC’s marine and maritime programs or to support the college as a donor, individuals can contact Ms. Susan Zaluski, the Director of Marine and Maritime Studies, or Ms. Yvonne Crabbe, the Director of Institutional Advancement.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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