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.