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Education

Celebrating 80 Years of Secondary Education in the Virgin Islands

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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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Education

Winners Recognised in Territory’s Anti-Bullying Speech Competition

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The winners of the annual Primary and Secondary Schools Anti-Bullying Speech Competition were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, October 16, at Elmore Stoutt High School. The competition, which aims to raise awareness and promote positive actions against bullying, saw impressive speeches from students across the Territory.

In the primary school division, Amiah Chang of Claudia Creque Educational Centre Primary claimed the top prize, with John Claude Vergara from St. George’s Primary School finishing in second place. Marla-Monae Gray of Jost Van Dyke Primary School earned third place.

In the secondary school category, Yasmeen Said of St. George’s Secondary Division won first place. Carey-Ann McKie from Bregado Flax Educational Centre came in second, while Adrianne Thomas from Elmore Stoutt High School placed third.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports congratulated all participants, highlighting their contributions to the Territory’s anti-bullying campaign. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment, and thanked the students for their efforts in spreading awareness about the importance of eliminating bullying in schools.

This initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader goal to reimagine education in the Virgin Islands, creating safe spaces where students can thrive both academically and socially.

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Education

Virgin Islands Ministry of Education Launches Professional Development Series for Educators

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The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive Professional Development Series for educators, in collaboration with the Institute of Education at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). This initiative, which began in September and will run through January 2025, aims to equip teachers with modern tools, strategies, and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Orlandette Crabbe, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing educator support, stating, “Professional development for educators remains a top priority, as we continue our commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands. By investing in our teachers, we ensure they are equipped with the most up-to-date tools and strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students.”

Crabbe also underscored the importance of the collaboration with HLSCC, noting that the partnership has been pivotal in building the capacity of Virgin Islands educators. “We look forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen this partnership and continue supporting the professional growth of our teachers,” she added.

The series offers sessions covering a range of critical topics, including innovative teaching techniques, classroom management, technology integration, and student engagement practices. These topics were chosen based on feedback from educators, ensuring relevance to the needs identified at all levels of the education system.

Sessions are designed in a multi-part format, allowing educators to explore concepts in depth and apply them in their classrooms. Participants will gain insights, actionable strategies, and valuable resources, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Additionally, the program fosters peer collaboration, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the cultivation of a professional growth culture among teachers.

Importantly, the Professional Development Series is being offered at no cost to educators, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to making continuous learning accessible and impactful.

Stephen Joseph, the newly appointed Director of the Institute of Education at HLSCC, expressed enthusiasm for leading the initiative. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to empower educators in the Virgin Islands. The Institute of Education is dedicated to advancing innovative and inclusive education practices,” Joseph said.

He added, “Our mission is to prepare teachers who are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for social justice and community engagement. This Professional Development Series exemplifies our commitment to fostering teaching excellence and improving educational standards across the Territory.”

Educators interested in the series can register by scanning the QR code in the program flyer or using the provided registration link. For more information, educators are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Education or the HLSCC Institute of Education.

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14 Students Gain Public Service Experience in Government Summer Apprenticeship Program

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Fourteen students from the 2024 cohort of the Summer Apprenticeship program have successfully completed their placements across various ministries in the Government of the Virgin Islands, gaining invaluable public service experience.

The program, initiated by the Department of Human Resources, aims to provide college and university students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields of study. By aligning student placements with relevant departments or ministries, the program allows participants to apply their academic training in a professional environment over the course of six weeks.

Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in fostering talent and promoting public engagement. “It is always an honor to welcome students into the Public Service,” said Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome. “This experience helps shape their understanding and appreciation for the essential work carried out across the various sectors in government.”

The 2024 Summer Apprentices were placed in a range of key government offices, including the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, among others. These diverse placements gave students exposure to the inner workings of critical government sectors.

Cara Christopher, Human Resources Manager for Organisational Development & Workforce Planning, lauded the program for its ability to immerse students in the public sector, saying, “The working experience gained through these apprenticeships is especially beneficial. Students not only observe but actively contribute to the important work being done in government.”

The program continues to offer a valuable bridge between academic study and professional application. College and university students interested in future apprenticeship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Human Resources for more information via email at hrd@gov.vg.

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