Education
Virgin Islands Students Set to Showcase Robotics Skills on Global Stage in Singapore
A team of four talented students from secondary schools in the Virgin Islands has been selected to participate in the annual international Global Robotics Challenge. The event, known as the “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” (FIRST) Robotics Challenge, will take place from October 7 to 10 in Singapore.
The team consists of Amani Brown, Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell, Jayron Gibson from Elmore Stoutt High School, and K’Dyah James from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. They will join teams from around the world to showcase their talent, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Accompanying the students will be mentors Careen Cuffy-Jules and Andre Roberts, who will provide guidance and support throughout the competition. The participation of the Virgin Islands in this prestigious event is seen as an excellent opportunity for the students to gain international exposure and demonstrate their abilities on a global stage.
Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, expressed her excitement about the students’ involvement in the FIRST Global Challenge. She believes that the competition not only allows them to compete but also to learn, grow, and be inspired by experts in the field. The Minister is confident that the team will make the Virgin Islands proud.
Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, Acting Chief Education Officer, highlighted the significance of the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge. The event brings together teams from all over the world to address important global challenges through robotics. She emphasized that it is not just about competition but also about collaboration and learning from one another. With over 180 nations participating, the event showcases the global interest in STEM education and robotics.
The team was selected based on their participation in a robotics workshop held on September 1, where they demonstrated their interest, cooperation, innovation, persistence, and analytical skills. Education Officer for Science, Ms. Renee Weston, and Education Officer for Information and Computer Technology, Ms. Lauren Welch, are coordinating the students’ participation in the upcoming event, which will revolve around the theme “Hydrogen Horizons.”
The team’s participation is made possible through sponsorship provided by FIRST Global. The Ministry of Education congratulates the Virgin Islands’ team on their selection and wishes them success in the 2023 FIRST Global Robotics Challenge in Singapore.
The Ministry remains committed to providing high-quality educational services and promoting access to sports and recreation to enrich the lives of the residents of the Virgin Islands.
BVIslander J’Sally O’Niel was officially called to practice as a member of the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Territory of the Virgin Islands on Monday, January 13. The ceremony, held before the Honourable Justice Stanley John K.C., saw J’Sally presented to the court by Associate Aaron Mayers.
J’Sally, who began her pupillage at Conyers’ BVI office in September 2024, has quickly gained recognition for her professionalism. Mark Forte, Partner and Head of BVI Litigation & Restructuring at Conyers, commended her work ethic, noting, “J’Sally has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, and we look forward to seeing her thrive in her legal career.”
J’Sally earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in October 2024.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation has enriched the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School with a collection of books spotlighting the Virgin Islands’ rich history, heritage, and culture.
The donation, presented by Abigail O’Neal, Executive Director of the Foundation, comes as part of the organization’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural legacy while fostering a love for reading.
“Every school year, my father would donate books by local and other authors to schools throughout the Territory,” said O’Neal. “It’s my humble pleasure to carry on this tradition as part of the Foundation’s work.”
During her visit to the school, O’Neal found herself inspired by the students’ palpable enthusiasm for learning. One student proudly shared that he was juggling three books at once, a testament to the school’s nurturing environment and the students’ thirst for knowledge.
“It is so important that our children develop a love for the written word in all forms. Reading not only educates but expands one’s vision and transports readers to different worlds,” O’Neal emphasized.
The donation includes several rare and out-of-print titles, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to reintroduce pivotal historical works to the Virgin Islands community. These books, O’Neal explained, are vital for preserving the wisdom and lessons of the past.
Engaging with the students, she encouraged discussions about the significance of history. The students’ collective response — “Because those lessons can help us inform the future” — underscored the lasting impact of such initiatives.
O’Neal also commended the efforts of Ms. Powell and her teaching staff for creating an environment that fosters academic curiosity and excellence. She extended her gratitude to Victor International and the Johnson Family for their continued support of education in Virgin Gorda.
For more information, please contact: Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation
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