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.
Education
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Education
Severe Weather Forces Closure of All Public Schools
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, under guidance from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), has mandated the closure of all public schools across the British Virgin Islands today. This precautionary measure prioritises the safety of students, teachers, and staff amid predictions of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy spells expected to impact the region throughout the day.
In a statement addressed to parents and community members, the Ministry underscored the importance of safety given the unpredictable nature of the weather conditions. “Students and teachers are asked to remain at home,” Hoyles stated. “We encourage teachers to provide assignments through online platforms where feasible, though some areas may face disruptions due to power outages.”
The closure decision comes as the DDM anticipates potential hazards posed by the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with risks to transportation and infrastructure. To mitigate these impacts, officials are urging residents to monitor updates closely and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
The DDM and Ministry officials will continue to assess the weather conditions throughout the day. Parents and guardians are advised to keep updated through official government communications. For any inquiries, the Ministry can be reached at (284) 468-2151 or via their website at www.bvi.gov.vg.
Education
Winners Recognised in Territory’s Anti-Bullying Speech Competition
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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