Education
Ministry of Education Initiates Early Release Days for Professional Development
In a move to prioritise professional development and enhance the overall learning experience, the Ministry of Education has declared an Early Release Day for students attending public schools on Thursday, November 16.
Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, highlighted the significance of this initiative, aiming to facilitate collaborative sessions among educators.
Mrs. Crabbe emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to prioritising professional development, stating that Early Release Days will provide teachers with an opportunity to engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the designated days.
Explaining the structure of these sessions, Mrs. Crabbe outlined that primary school teachers will convene by grade level, while secondary school educators will assemble by department. Professional Learning Communities are forums for educators to collaboratively enhance their professional skills and focus on improving academic performance.
Mrs. Crabbe emphasised that these learning communities go beyond mere meetings, serving as platforms for teachers and administrators to share expertise, analyse data, discuss teaching strategies, and collectively work towards improving student learning outcomes. The overarching goal is continuous improvement, where members collaboratively seek solutions, share best practices, and support each other’s professional growth.
Highlighting the broader objectives, Mrs. Crabbe stated, “It’s not just about meetings; it’s about building stronger teacher capacity, fostering collaboration across schools, and ensuring that new teachers receive the support they need to thrive. It’s all about the success of our students and a brighter future for education in our community.”
The Early Release Days are scheduled for November 16, January 24, and June 19, 2024. Parents are kindly requested to collect their children promptly at 2:00 p.m. on these selected days. The Ministry has also arranged for buses to pick up students on the approved days, further demonstrating its commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands under the mantra of “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”
Parents of students attending Enis Adams Primary School have been urged to warn their children against accepting candy and other items from strangers following concerning reports from the school’s administration.
In an official notice issued by a representative of the school, concerns were raised regarding an individual unaffiliated with the institution distributing items to students at the Festival Grounds. The individual’s identity and intentions remain unclear, prompting the school to take immediate action.
“It was reported that a person who is not a parent or affiliated with the school has been giving items to students,” the statement read. “We urge parents to have discussions with their children about the dangers of accepting items from strangers.”
The school emphasised that students would be advised not to take or consume any such items, and faculty members would also address the matter directly with students.
This incident has sparked concerns about student safety, particularly for those who rely on government transportation services to and from the Festival Grounds. While no harm has been reported, the school administration is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential risks.
Local authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near school transportation areas.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is preparing to establish its first medical school through a groundbreaking initiative by Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU). Scheduled to open in August 2025, the new School of Medicine will be located at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola and will welcome an inaugural class of 50 students.
This expansion marks PHSU’s fourth location and its first in the BVI, solidifying the university’s presence as a leading provider of health sciences education in the Caribbean. The institution also announced plans to offer two full scholarships annually to qualifying BVI students, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting local talent.
“Opening this location in Tortola will make a major difference to students in BVI, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean region, and worldwide because it gives them a truly viable and accessible option to complete their studies in medicine,” said Dr. Gino Natalicchio, President of Ponce Health Sciences University. “Currently, there is a growing need for physicians worldwide. The PHSU School of Medicine provides a good solution by connecting health sciences students to opportunities and experiences to help them accomplish their goals.”
Premier of the British Virgin Islands, the Honorable Natalio Wheatley, hailed the development as a significant milestone for the territory. “We are truly excited to welcome the new PHSU School of Medicine in the British Virgin Islands because of the benefits it will bring not just to health standards in our territory but also to our economy,” he said. “The school will bring a recurring influx of students who will live in the BVI, buy goods, and spend in our businesses. I am optimistic that Virgin Islanders will welcome them and develop services for this new kind of resident.”
The new medical school is expected to grow rapidly, with 75 students projected for the Fall 2026 session. The program will award a medical degree and has already secured provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and a provisional license from the BVI’s Higher Education Licensing Board.
PHSU, with a legacy spanning over 45 years, has established itself as a premier institution for health sciences education, offering degrees in clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, medical sciences, public health, and nursing. The university’s existing campuses boast a 96% residency match rate and have produced groundbreaking research, contributing an average of 50 peer-reviewed articles annually.
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.
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