Education
Jost Van Dyke School Commences Operations in New State-of-the-Art Facility”
The Jost Van Dyke School officially commenced its operations in a new state-of-the-art building on Tuesday, January 9. The 24 students and 10 staff members have embraced their new surroundings, with one staff member expressing, “We are very comfortable.”
The Principal received the keys to the Multipurpose Educational Facility in December, marking the fulfillment of a promise made by the Ministry of Education on October 31, 2023 to have the new building ready for the start of the 2024 semester.
This achievement is the outcome of collaborative efforts between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). However, the road to this accomplishment was not without its challenges.
Last November, frustrated parents staged a protest, demanding urgent action from the government to address hazardous conditions students faced in the previous school building. Grievances included issues such as mold infestation, a leaky building, and flooding on the school premises.
In response to the pressing concerns, a week after the protest, students were temporarily moved to the Leonora Delville Primary School for the remainder of the school term. The move provided a necessary interim solution while awaiting the completion of the Multipurpose Educational Facility.
On Thursday, December 21, 2023, the RDA held a pre-handover site visit, underscoring their commitment to resolving the challenges faced by the Jost Van Dyke School community. The visit included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Dr. Marcia Potter, and was led by RDA’s CEO Anthony McMaster, along with members of the RDA team.
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.
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.
The Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation has enriched the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School with a collection of books spotlighting the Virgin Islands’ rich history, heritage, and culture.
The donation, presented by Abigail O’Neal, Executive Director of the Foundation, comes as part of the organization’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural legacy while fostering a love for reading.
“Every school year, my father would donate books by local and other authors to schools throughout the Territory,” said O’Neal. “It’s my humble pleasure to carry on this tradition as part of the Foundation’s work.”
During her visit to the school, O’Neal found herself inspired by the students’ palpable enthusiasm for learning. One student proudly shared that he was juggling three books at once, a testament to the school’s nurturing environment and the students’ thirst for knowledge.
“It is so important that our children develop a love for the written word in all forms. Reading not only educates but expands one’s vision and transports readers to different worlds,” O’Neal emphasized.
The donation includes several rare and out-of-print titles, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to reintroduce pivotal historical works to the Virgin Islands community. These books, O’Neal explained, are vital for preserving the wisdom and lessons of the past.
Engaging with the students, she encouraged discussions about the significance of history. The students’ collective response — “Because those lessons can help us inform the future” — underscored the lasting impact of such initiatives.
O’Neal also commended the efforts of Ms. Powell and her teaching staff for creating an environment that fosters academic curiosity and excellence. She extended her gratitude to Victor International and the Johnson Family for their continued support of education in Virgin Gorda.
For more information, please contact: Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation
Two Bids Submitted for West End Ferry Terminal Project
Senior Magistrate Dismisses Case Against Walwyn and Stevens in High-Profile ESHS Wall Project
Windy Hill Closed After Oil Spill Causes Multiple Accidents
-
Crime/Police1 week agoMasked Gunmen Strike Twice in Cane Garden Bay
-
Uncategorized1 week agoUSVI Resident Arrested in BVI for Possession of Ammunition
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Investigate Gunfire at Hannah’s Estate, No Injuries Reported
-
Crime/Police1 week agoShemoi ‘Fat Cat’ Carey Apprehended for Attempted Murder; Police Seek K’Shawn Martin
-
Uncategorized1 week agoMan Found Deceased in Abandoned Vehicle in Long Swamp
-
Crime/Police1 week agoYoung Man Fatally Shot in Purcell Community, First Murder of 2025
-
Crime/Police1 week ago12% Crime Increase Attributed to Money Boys Gang
-
Local News5 days agoRotary Club of Central Tortola Announces 2024 Car Raffle Winner