Local News
Virgin Islands Boosts School Resilience Against Climate Change Through BVI SMART Schools Initiative
The ongoing effort to fortify schools in the Virgin Islands against the unpredictable impacts of disasters and climate change takes a significant leap forward under the BVI SMART Schools initiative. A collaborative endeavor between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports (MEYAS), the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), and supported by the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France.
The latest phase of the BVI SMART Schools project, led by DDM, expands its scope by incorporating expertise from Green VI, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and the BVI Red Cross. Together, they aim to reshape the Territory’s education infrastructure, placing resilience at its core.
Jasen Penn, Director at the Department of Disaster Management, emphasized how the BVI SMART Schools initiative reinforces schools against the challenges posed by climate change. He stated, “RESEMBID’s financial support has facilitated a partnership to enhance our efforts at improving student safety and fostering a culture of resilience.”
The €1.3 million initiative spans two years and seeks to enhance the safety, health, and sustainability of 14 schools across the Territory. The project has conducted comprehensive school assessments, offered essential guidance to individual schools, and initiated campus community emergency response training to strengthen preparedness within these educational institutions.
Mr. Penn highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying, “What our students and teachers are learning prepares our wider community for greater resilience, which ultimately means a more prepared Virgin Islands.”
Edward Turvill, RESEMBID Senior Programme Manager – Resilience, commended the focus on schools and students as a foundation for change. He praised the comprehensive approach taken by DDM and its partners, emphasizing the significance of the public-private partnership to address resilience and climate change challenges.
Turvill stated, “It shows that through this type of public-private partnership, BVI has the persons and tools to address some of the most challenging issues surrounding resilience and climate change. RESEMBID is truly proud to have the chance to facilitate such partnerships that are to the benefit of society and future generations.”
The BVI SMART Schools initiative’s program partners are actively enhancing its legacy by supporting target schools in key areas. Green VI leads efforts to establish vibrant school gardens, conduct water and energy audits, and cultivate a culture of conservation within school campuses. BVI Red Cross focuses on empowering educators and enhancing overall community resilience through First Aid training for teachers and community assessments. The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Centre for Applied Marine Studies enriches student experiences through coastal resilience and marine biodiversity education.
Participating schools in this iteration include Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Alexandria Maduro Primary, Joyce Samuel Primary, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Primary and Secondary Division, Francis Lettsome Primary, Leonora Delville Primary, Ivan Dawson Primary, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Enis Adams Primary, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary, Willard Wheatley Primary, Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary, and Elmore Stoutt High School.
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 Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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