Education
Deputy Premier Presents Laptops to Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School’s Class of 2024
Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, the Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, presented fifteen laptop computers to Ms. Akima Powell, principal of Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School (ROMPS), marking a significant contribution to the graduating class of 2024.
The laptops were donated by David and Pamela Johnson of Oil Nut Bay (ONB) through the North Sound Foundation (NSF), a symbol of their ongoing commitment to the educational advancement of the students at ROMPS.
This donation is the latest in a series of contributions by ONB, which has supported the school for over a decade. The partnership began with the rebuilding efforts led by NSF following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused extensive damage to the school.
The donation is part of a sustained effort to enhance the educational environment at ROMPS, providing resources and facilities that ensure a conducive learning space. The new laptops are expected to play a crucial role in the students’ academic development, equipping them with the tools necessary for research and study as they transition to high school. This technological boost is seen as vital for preparing the students to meet future challenges.
Ms. Akima Powell, accepting the laptops on behalf of the school, assured Deputy Premier Honourable Lorna Smith that the devices would be presented to the students at their upcoming Exit Dinner on July 4th. This event marks a significant milestone in their educational journey and the laptops will undoubtedly serve as valuable assets in their continued academic pursuits.
Hon Lorna Smith, a fervent advocate for the welfare of children and youth, underscored the importance of digital access in modern education. In her role as Minister responsible for digital transformation, she highlighted the necessity for every household and child in the Virgin Islands to have access to computers and the internet. She stressed that such access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for effective learning and participation in a digitally connected world.
In her address, Hon. Lorna Smith extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School Class of 2024. She expressed her best wishes for their continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey, confident that these laptops will serve as invaluable tools in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed agreements to begin the design phase for student dormitories at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a project aimed at expanding access to higher education for students across the territory.
The Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Contribution, signed on Tuesday, April 14, between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Recovery and Development Agency, mark the start of work toward developing on-campus housing at the Paraquita Bay campus.
Officials said the dormitories are expected to address longstanding challenges faced by students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, who often encounter higher costs and logistical difficulties due to travel and accommodation limitations.
“For many years, students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda have faced additional hurdles simply because of geography,” Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said. “With the construction of these dormitories, we will remove one of the most persistent barriers to higher education for our own people.”
The project is intended to make it easier for students throughout the Virgin Islands to pursue tertiary and post-secondary education locally, reducing the need to relocate or manage extended commutes.
Officials said the development has long been part of the college’s master plan and represents a step toward strengthening the territory’s education system.
The dormitories are also expected to accommodate students from outside the territory, supporting broader efforts to expand educational opportunities and diversify the economy.
The Recovery and Development Agency is overseeing the project, with the design phase to be followed by construction.
Zac Richards and Zendée Menal of Cedar International School and Daundre Rhodes of Bregado Flax Educational Centre were recognized by Seven Seas Water Group with the Prize for Water Science at the 2026 National Science Fair closing ceremony on March 20.
The award, presented in observance of World Water Day, highlights student research addressing water-related challenges under the theme “Innovate with Purpose, Create with Care, Solve for Tomorrow.”
Richards and Menal won the secondary division for their project, “Comparative Analysis of Water Quality in the BVI,” which examined physical and chemical parameters at three coastal locations. The study provides baseline data that can inform efforts to develop a national marine water quality framework, with implications for public health and marine ecosystems.
Rhodes received the primary division award for “Bubble Tubing: A Natural Solution to Sargassum in the Virgin Islands.” The project proposed a method to repel sargassum from desalination intake areas, aiming to reduce the effects of decomposition on water taste and odor.
On March 27, Richards and Menal visited the Paraquita Bay Water Plant, where they received their awards and toured desalination operations. Kevon Smith, the plant manager and a former National Science Fair winner, guided the students through processes including cartridge filtration, membrane technology and reverse osmosis.
Noni M. Georges, community relations advisor at Seven Seas Water BVI, said the students’ work demonstrated both scientific rigor and engagement with local challenges. “Seven Seas Water BVI is honored to celebrate and support their achievements,” she said.
Smith said the projects reflected ideas relevant to the territory’s water management. “These are not just projects — they are the kinds of ideas that can shape how we manage and protect our water resources,” he said.
Seven Seas Water Group also acknowledged the Ministry of Education, Science Fair Coordinator Renee Caines, participating students, teachers, schools and parents for organizing the event.
Roman Nibbs Alberto, 17, a 12th grade student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been selected as Premier for a Week, the Office of the Premier announced.
Mr. Nibbs Alberto will be sworn in by Governor Daniel Pruce on April 7 and will serve in the role for one week, during which he is expected to carry out official duties and work alongside Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
In remarks following his selection, Mr. Nibbs Alberto said, “I’m thankful that I won the election. I want to thank the organisers of this free and fair election. I want to thank my worthy competitors and I want to thank everybody that voted and campaigned for me.”
The Office of the Premier said the program provides participants with the opportunity to engage in leadership and governance activities.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said he looks forward to working with the incoming Premier and intends to extend his congratulations.
The Office of the Premier also acknowledged the other participants in the program, including Niaeika Aymer, Trishelle Phillips, Rudell Stoute and Zhane Walters.
Final results showed Mr. Nibbs Alberto receiving 905 points, followed by Ms. Aymer with 804 points, Ms. Phillips with 605 points, Mr. Stoute with 551 points and Ms. Walters with 611 points.
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