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Virgin Islands Boosts School Resilience Against Climate Change Through BVI SMART Schools Initiative

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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.

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Crime/Police

Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

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 A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.

Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”

Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.

“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”

The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.

“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”

Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.

“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”

While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.

“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”

In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”

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Local News

BVI Electricity Corporation Unveils Transparent Billing System, Detailing Fuel Costs

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The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has introduced a revised electricity bill format that provides customers with a clearer breakdown of fuel-related charges, in a move toward greater financial transparency,  The new bill, set to be distributed starting this month, was unveiled at a press conference held at BVIEC’s Long Bush headquarters on Thursday.

The redesigned bill includes additional details aimed at helping customers better understand how fuel costs contribute to their electricity charges. It now displays the cost of fuel per gallon as a surcharge, reflecting the base cost that influences energy pricing. It also shows the BVIEC fuel subsidy per gallon, which represents the amount the corporation offsets to reduce the financial burden on consumers. The customer fuel surcharge per gallon, or net surcharge, reveals the final fuel-related charge customers pay after subsidies are applied.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Neil Smith, BVIEC’s General Manager. “Customers deserve to know not only what they’re being charged but also how BVIEC is working to support them, particularly in an era of fluctuating energy prices.”

Chief Financial Officer Carmen Sully echoed this sentiment, emphasizing BVIEC’s longstanding efforts to cushion customers from rising fuel costs. She explained that each month, BVIEC makes a substantial financial contribution to help mitigate high energy prices. By including this information in the bill, the corporation is not just offering transparency but also highlighting the value it provides to every household and business in the territory.

Beyond improved visibility into costs, the updated billing system reflects a broader modernization effort in how customer charges are processed and presented.

The new bill format will be implemented for all BVIEC customers beginning in April 2025.

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Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.

Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.

The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.

Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.

The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.

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