Education
2024 Budget Pledges $53.38 Million Boost to Education
Premier Wheatley Champions S.T.E.A.M. Initiatives for a Sustainable Nation
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports is set to receive a significant portion of the 2024 budget, amounting to 11.34 percent or $53.38 million, as announced by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
During the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley unveiled the comprehensive fiscal package totaling $382.67 million under the theme: “Planning, Priorities, and Progress: Building A Sustainable Nation.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of education in economic development, Premier Wheatley emphasised, “Education is the bedrock of economic development,” acknowledging its transformative potential, particularly in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.). Looking ahead to 2024, Premier Wheatley expressed a focused commitment to expanding S.T.E.A.M. initiatives, with a particular emphasis on developing and implementing a comprehensive S.T.E.A.M.-focused education program for Pre-primary and Primary grades.
Premier Wheatley underscored the importance of the physical environment in shaping the learning experience, stating, “The physical environment in which education takes place plays a crucial role in shaping the learning experience.” He highlighted the priority given to funding and support for implementing a comprehensive school infrastructure maintenance plan, aiming to enhance the quality of education by creating spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence.
In response to the budget address, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to utilising the allocated funds to create new initiatives and programming. In a post-statement, Minister de Castro stated, “The Ministry has committed through the funding allocated to ensure that we create new initiatives and programming to be able to ultimately meet the needs of our future – which are our children.” She eagerly anticipated the positive impact of the 2024 budget on the lives of educators and young people, emphasizing the continued momentum of “Virgin Islands Education Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”
Breaking down the allocated funds to the Ministry, the 2024 budget includes $50.53 million for recurrent expenditure and $2.85 million for development. For further details on the 2023 Budget Address, the public is encouraged to visit the BVIGovernment Facebook page at username: @BVIGovernment or via the link https://www.facebook.com/BVIGovernment/videos/664365719224975.
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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