Education
Dr. Quincy Lettsome, Ph.D, revered retired educator has passed away
Dr. Quincy Lettsome, a dedicated educator and influential figure in the British Virgin Islands, passed away today, February 13 at the age of 82 years.
He started his career as a primary school teacher and worked his way up to become a high school principal and later a curriculum development officer at the Ministry of Education.
Born in 1942 in Long Swamp, East End, Dr. Lettsome grew up in a time when agriculture was the main occupation in the BVI. He hailed from a family of six siblings and was raised with a strong sense of moral training. Education played a significant role in his upbringing, and he attended the East End Methodist School, which had a long history dating back to 1789.
In 1956, Dr. Lettsome became one of the pioneer commuting students of the Virgin Islands Secondary School. He commuted daily from East End to town, thanks to the assistance of the late Honourable Leslie Malone, who provided transportation. Dr. Lettsome excelled academically and was an athletic champion during his time at school.
After graduating in 1960, Dr. Lettsome embarked on a teaching career, starting at the Post-Primary Department of the Road Town Primary School in 1961. He later pursued further education at the Leeward Islands Teachers Training College in Antigua, graduating in 1965. Dr. Lettsome then served as the principal of Cane Garden Bay Methodist School for two years, where he faced challenges but found great fulfillment in directing the lives of young children and teachers.
In 1968, Dr. Lettsome was transferred to the Road Town Primary School, the largest primary school in the BVI at that time. He became an influential figure in education, serving as the president of the BVI Teachers Association and advocating for better pay for teachers. Dr. Lettsome’s dedication and efforts led to an increase in teacher salaries, benefiting not only educators but all civil servants.
Dr. Lettsome’s passion for education and his expertise in curriculum development led him to join the Education Department in 1986 as a curriculum officer. He held a master’s degree in curriculum development and completed his Ph.D. in the same field in 1991. Dr. Lettsome continued to contribute to education until his retirement in 2003, accumulating an impressive 43 years of service.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lettsome impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education in the British Virgin Islands. His commitment to providing quality education and his dedication to the betterment of teachers’ lives will always be remembered.
Dr. Quincy Lettsome will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the BVI community. His contributions to education will continue to inspire future generations. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the remarkable life and achievements of this remarkable educator.
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
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
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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