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.