Education
Eighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
Eighty public officers from various government offices in the Virgin Islands have completed a comprehensive Customer Service Training Course, organised by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI). The course aimed to enhance the skills of public officers working in front-facing roles, covering topics such as building customer relationships, establishing service standards, and managing difficult customer interactions.
Ms. Kedimone Rubaine, Director of Customer Service and course facilitator stressed the importance of education in the drive to improve public service standards. “As we continue to focus on enhancing customer service across the Public Service, we recognize the value of providing our officers with the right tools. This preparation ensures they are well-equipped to exemplify customer service excellence,” Rubaine said.
Customer service is a key priority in the Public Service Transformation Programme, which has seen the Office of the Deputy Governor develop strategic plans to improve communication, technology, and the implementation of new customer service tools.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in skill-building exercises designed to refine their interactive capabilities and gain practical insights on maintaining excellence when dealing with the public.
Under the guidance of the newly appointed Director, Dr. Connie E. George, the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute is working towards establishing a regionally certified customer service training program. The ongoing efforts, in collaboration with the Director of Customer Service, aim to foster a culture of excellence across the Virgin Islands Public Service.
Education
Winners Recognised in Territory’s Anti-Bullying Speech Competition
The winners of the annual Primary and Secondary Schools Anti-Bullying Speech Competition were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, October 16, at Elmore Stoutt High School. The competition, which aims to raise awareness and promote positive actions against bullying, saw impressive speeches from students across the Territory.
In the primary school division, Amiah Chang of Claudia Creque Educational Centre Primary claimed the top prize, with John Claude Vergara from St. George’s Primary School finishing in second place. Marla-Monae Gray of Jost Van Dyke Primary School earned third place.
In the secondary school category, Yasmeen Said of St. George’s Secondary Division won first place. Carey-Ann McKie from Bregado Flax Educational Centre came in second, while Adrianne Thomas from Elmore Stoutt High School placed third.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports congratulated all participants, highlighting their contributions to the Territory’s anti-bullying campaign. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment, and thanked the students for their efforts in spreading awareness about the importance of eliminating bullying in schools.
This initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader goal to reimagine education in the Virgin Islands, creating safe spaces where students can thrive both academically and socially.
Education
Virgin Islands Ministry of Education Launches Professional Development Series for Educators
The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive Professional Development Series for educators, in collaboration with the Institute of Education at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). This initiative, which began in September and will run through January 2025, aims to equip teachers with modern tools, strategies, and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.
Acting Chief Education Officer, Orlandette Crabbe, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing educator support, stating, “Professional development for educators remains a top priority, as we continue our commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands. By investing in our teachers, we ensure they are equipped with the most up-to-date tools and strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students.”
Crabbe also underscored the importance of the collaboration with HLSCC, noting that the partnership has been pivotal in building the capacity of Virgin Islands educators. “We look forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen this partnership and continue supporting the professional growth of our teachers,” she added.
The series offers sessions covering a range of critical topics, including innovative teaching techniques, classroom management, technology integration, and student engagement practices. These topics were chosen based on feedback from educators, ensuring relevance to the needs identified at all levels of the education system.
Sessions are designed in a multi-part format, allowing educators to explore concepts in depth and apply them in their classrooms. Participants will gain insights, actionable strategies, and valuable resources, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Additionally, the program fosters peer collaboration, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the cultivation of a professional growth culture among teachers.
Importantly, the Professional Development Series is being offered at no cost to educators, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to making continuous learning accessible and impactful.
Stephen Joseph, the newly appointed Director of the Institute of Education at HLSCC, expressed enthusiasm for leading the initiative. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to empower educators in the Virgin Islands. The Institute of Education is dedicated to advancing innovative and inclusive education practices,” Joseph said.
He added, “Our mission is to prepare teachers who are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for social justice and community engagement. This Professional Development Series exemplifies our commitment to fostering teaching excellence and improving educational standards across the Territory.”
Educators interested in the series can register by scanning the QR code in the program flyer or using the provided registration link. For more information, educators are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Education or the HLSCC Institute of Education.
Education
14 Students Gain Public Service Experience in Government Summer Apprenticeship Program
Fourteen students from the 2024 cohort of the Summer Apprenticeship program have successfully completed their placements across various ministries in the Government of the Virgin Islands, gaining invaluable public service experience.
The program, initiated by the Department of Human Resources, aims to provide college and university students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields of study. By aligning student placements with relevant departments or ministries, the program allows participants to apply their academic training in a professional environment over the course of six weeks.
Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in fostering talent and promoting public engagement. “It is always an honor to welcome students into the Public Service,” said Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome. “This experience helps shape their understanding and appreciation for the essential work carried out across the various sectors in government.”
The 2024 Summer Apprentices were placed in a range of key government offices, including the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, among others. These diverse placements gave students exposure to the inner workings of critical government sectors.
Cara Christopher, Human Resources Manager for Organisational Development & Workforce Planning, lauded the program for its ability to immerse students in the public sector, saying, “The working experience gained through these apprenticeships is especially beneficial. Students not only observe but actively contribute to the important work being done in government.”
The program continues to offer a valuable bridge between academic study and professional application. College and university students interested in future apprenticeship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Human Resources for more information via email at hrd@gov.vg.
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