In celebration of World Water Day, Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG) has recognized the next generation of scientific innovators, awarding top honors to students whose research tackled critical water-related challenges at the British Virgin Islands’ National Science Fair.

The Prize for Water Science, SSWG’s annual award for excellence in water research, highlights the importance of STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—in addressing environmental and sustainability issues.

This year’s top honor in the secondary division was awarded to Zara Pascoe of Cedar International School for her project, Dissolved Oxygen as a Marine Pollutant Indicator. Pascoe conducted extensive testing at nine locations around Tortola, using dissolved oxygen levels to assess pollution, bacterial presence, and decomposing organic matter. The method aligns with daily water quality monitoring conducted at SSWG’s own lab to ensure safe drinking water standards.

In the primary division, Daria Donovan and Brielle Williams of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won for their project, Wat-er We Drinking. The duo investigated bacterial growth in reusable water bottles, presenting a compelling case for improved hygiene practices. Their research was among the highest-scoring projects at the fair.

The winners were previously announced at the Science Fair’s closing ceremony but were later invited to the Paraquita Bay Water Plant for a behind-the-scenes look at industrial desalination and to receive their awards.

The Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, toured the facility and commended both the students and SSWG for their commitment to advancing science education.

“It is always a proud moment to witness our students being recognized for their scientific talent and curiosity,” Minister de Castro said. “On this World Water Day, I commend Seven Seas Water Group for not only investing in innovation but for investing in our young people. Their continued support of the Science Fair demonstrates the kind of meaningful public-private partnership that strengthens our education system and empowers future leaders.”

She emphasized the importance of real-world scientific exploration, noting that students engaging with sustainability and water quality research are not just learning, but leading.

SSWG, a leading provider of desalination services, has been a major sponsor of the Science Fair for the past three years, contributing over $20,000 to support student-led research initiatives.

Kevon Smith, a former BVI National Science Fair winner and now Plant Manager at SSWG’s Paraquita Bay facility, reflected on the significance of the partnership for the local community.

“As a company deeply committed to providing well-engineered, efficiently operated desalination services to this community, we are proud to support initiatives that promote scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship,” Smith said. “Our future plant managers, engineers, operators, and professionals will be among the competitors, showcasing their ingenuity and commitment to building a more sustainable future.”

SSWG extended congratulations to the Ministry of Education, Science Fair Coordinator Renee Caines, participating students, educators, and parents for their role in executing another successful showcase of young scientific talent.

As global water challenges become increasingly urgent, initiatives like the Prize for Water Science continue to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers. The students honored this year exemplify how young minds, given the right tools and opportunities, can contribute to shaping a more sustainable future.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports has officially appointed Orlandette Crabbe as Chief Education Officer, confirming her role after serving in an acting capacity. Her tenure will take effect in June 2024.

In her new position, Crabbe will oversee the administration and management of the Department of Education, ensuring that educational standards across the Territory are upheld and continually developed.

Crabbe brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked extensively within the education sector. Her career includes teaching positions at Belle Vue Primary School, Althea Scatliffe Primary School, and Ingleside Elementary in Norfolk, Virginia. She later advanced to leadership roles as Assistant Principal of Althea Scatliffe Primary and Principal of Joyce Samuel Primary. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct lecturer at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

As Chief Education Officer, Crabbe will advise the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, oversee all schools within the education system, and spearhead educational planning initiatives.

Crabbe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Preschool, Pre-K, and Primary Education from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Florida State University.

Dr. Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, praised Crabbe’s appointment, emphasizing her contributions to the Territory’s education system.

“Education is the bedrock of any successful nation. Mrs. Crabbe has an extensive history of excellence within the Public Service, and we are excited at the opportunity for her to continue this progress as Chief Education Officer,” said Dr. Potter. “This is a critical role that plays a key part in shaping the minds of our students and future leaders. I wish her every success.”

The Trump administration has announced the revocation of temporary legal status for over 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision, effective April 24, 2025, has sent shockwaves through Caribbean communities both in the United States and abroad, as families grapple with an uncertain future.

The affected individuals were beneficiaries of a humanitarian parole program initiated during the Biden administration, which allowed them to live and work legally in the U.S. for two years. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now asserts that the original conditions justifying the program have improved, leading to its termination.

Maria, a nurse from Havana, Cuba, arrived in the U.S. under the parole program, seeking safety and better opportunities. She secured employment at a Miami hospital, supporting her family back home. With the program’s termination, Maria faces potential deportation, jeopardizing her livelihood and her family’s well-being.​

Jean, an entrepreneur from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, fled political instability to build a new life in the U.S. He established a small business in New York, contributing to the local economy. The policy change threatens not only his future but also the community that relies on his services.​

Caribbean advocacy groups have condemned the administration’s decision. Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, stated that the move “jeopardizes the safety and well-being of countless individuals” and “contradicts America’s global commitment to human rights and humanitarian principles.” ​

The revocation has sparked legal challenges and debates about the U.S.’s role in providing refuge. Critics argue that the decision ignores ongoing humanitarian crises in the affected countries, while supporters claim it restores the integrity of immigration laws.​