Education
Celebrating 80 Years of Secondary Education in the Virgin Islands
Alfred Christopher and Jennie N. Wheatley’s Remarkable Contributions Remembered
The Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of secondary education in the Virgin Islands while addressing the House of Assembly on October 31st, 2023.
“This year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of secondary education in the Virgin Islands, a milestone that reflects the dedication and vision of stalwart educators and the unwavering commitment of our community,” Honourable de Castro stated. “The history of secondary education in our territory is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who championed the cause of knowledge and opportunity.”
The Education Minister highlighted the pivotal role played by Dr. Norwell Harrigan and Mr. Olva Flax, who laid the foundation for extending education beyond standard seven in 1938. Their vision culminated in the establishment of a secondary school in 1943, offering a curriculum that encompassed a wide range of subjects.
The Minister also acknowledged the instrumental role of Dr. Thomas Dixon Green as the Supervisor of Education and Headmaster during the critical early years of secondary education in the Virgin Islands.
Honourable DeCastro discussed the challenges that the institution faced in its early years, with its very existence under threat in 1947. It was the dedication of community activists that ensured its survival, and the moment of stability arrived with the students’ success at the Cambridge Examinations, prompting the renaming of the institution to the Virgin Islands Secondary School.
Secondary education in the Virgin Islands has had a profound impact on the development of the territory, Honourable de Castro emphasised. “The fact that students from distant communities were willing to walk the extra mile to access this education demonstrates that as a community, we have long recognised the value of a good education.”
As the Minister marked this remarkable milestone, she paid homage to the visionaries, educators, and activists who have played pivotal roles in shaping the educational landscape over the past eight decades. The legacy of secondary education in the Virgin Islands is one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, lighting the way for future generations.
Honourable de Castro also took the opportunity to honour two stalwart educators who recently passed away. Alfred Christopher, one of the first students of the Senior School in 1943, made significant contributions to extending secondary education to Anegada and the growth of the school in 1970. Jennie N. Wheatley (MBE), a beacon of knowledge and a culture-bearer, devoted over twenty-five years of her life to secondary education and served as Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs at the British Virgin Islands High School. Her leadership in developing the school library and other transformational initiatives has left an indelible mark on the institution and the entire territory.
The Minister celebrated all valiant secondary educators in the territory, emphasising their dedication and sacrifices over the years, which have collectively contributed to the development of a great institution and the future of the Virgin Islands.
Honourable de Castro urged everyone to celebrate this milestone with gratitude for those who have paved the way for students’ success and a brighter future for the Virgin Islands. “The journey of secondary education in our territory, spanning 80 years, is a testament of our collective spirit and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence as we commit to moving Virgin Islands Education: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”
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The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is set to shine a light on the Territory’s energy future with the launch of “BVIEC Presents: Watts Going On!”, a week of educational activities taking place from November 10–14, under the theme “Connecting Education, Energy & Opportunity.”
The initiative aims to strengthen links between the energy sector, local schools, and the wider community through a series of interactive tours and learning experiences at BVIEC’s facilities. The week-long programme will give students and professionals a firsthand look at how electricity is generated and distributed across the Virgin Islands, while promoting interest in careers within the growing energy industry.
Guided tours will be held at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond and the Anegada Power Station, offering participants an inside view of BVIEC’s day-to-day operations and technological processes that keep the Territory powered.
Targeting senior high school and secondary school students, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in the field of energy. Participating institutions include the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Secondary School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar International School, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, Agape (Secondary Division), Imagination Academy (Secondary Division), and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
A special tour will also be hosted for students of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre at the Anegada Power Station.
The initiative will culminate on Friday, November 14, with a special session for members of the business community. The guided tour at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station will offer participants insights into BVIEC’s operations, sustainability efforts, and commitment to service excellence across the Territory.
BVIEC’s Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Kamal Haynes, said the “Watts Going On!” initiative represents more than just an open house—it’s an investment in the future of energy in the Virgin Islands.
“This year’s Watts Going On! initiative represents more than just a tour—it’s about sparking curiosity, building understanding, and creating pathways for the next generation to explore careers in energy,” said Haynes. “By inviting students, educators, and the business community to see what we do up close, we’re highlighting the importance of the energy sector and its impact on everyday life.”
Haynes added that the programme underscores BVIEC’s commitment to youth engagement and innovation.
“The energy industry continues to evolve, and with it comes exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. By engaging our students early and encouraging technical curiosity, BVIEC is helping to inspire the future of energy in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
BVIEC expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, for their partnership in coordinating school participation and supporting educational initiatives that inspire career development in the Territory.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Department of Student Affairs hosted Campus Wellness Day on Thursday, October 9, under the theme “Mental Health Matters — and so do YOU,” promoting open dialogue and awareness about mental well-being among students, faculty, and staff.
The event, held in the College Atrium at Paraquita Bay, featured a panel discussion titled “Breaking the Stigma – Talking Openly About Mental Health,” led by Director of Student Affairs Dr. Albert Thompkins and psychological professionals Dr. Michelle Martin and Dr. June Samuels. The panel addressed topics including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies for managing academic and personal stress.
Dr. Thompkins said the initiative was designed to encourage honest conversations about mental health and provide access to supportive resources. “Creating safe spaces for students to talk openly about their experiences helps reduce stigma and build stronger, healthier communities,” he said.
Participants were introduced to tools and community support networks aimed at helping individuals manage stress and strengthen resilience both personally and professionally.
The Department of Student Affairs said the event forms part of HLSCC’s ongoing commitment to student wellness, reinforcing that mental health is essential to academic and personal success.
Education
Elmore Stoutt High School Student Wins 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition Theme Competition
Niaeika Aymer, a 17-year-old student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market Theme Competition, officials confirmed on Wednesday, October 22.
Aymer received a $250 prize from Mr. Vernol Richards, Veterinary Assistant at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, during a brief presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Orville Clarke, Agriculture Management Officer.
Mr. Richards commended Aymer for her creativity and consistency in the competition.
“Congratulations, Niaeika, for the remarkable job,” Richards said. “I encourage more youth to be involved in agriculture and fisheries. Niaeika submitted five entries, and I was happy to be the one to have chosen her winning entry, which was ‘Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nurturing Lives and Legacies.’”
Officials said the annual competition encourages students to engage with the themes of agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability while promoting youth involvement in the Territory’s primary industries.
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