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
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
Education
Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation Champions Education with Book Donation
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.
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