Education
Education Minister Calls for a Bold New Chapter in Virgin Islands Education
As a new school year begins in the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, called for a renewed commitment to education, urging the community to “move full S.T.E.A.M. ahead.” With a focus on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, Minister de Castro stressed the importance of equipping students with the tools they need for an ever-evolving future.
“Our role as educators is to guide our students as they set sail on this ocean of discovery, curiosity, and learning,” she stated, underscoring the collective responsibility in shaping the future of the territory through education.
Minister de Castro addressed students directly, describing them as “the future of this territory.” She emphasized the value of resilience and growth, encouraging them to embrace every step of their educational journey. “Your energy and potential are like seeds planted in fertile soil,” she said. “As you walk through the doors of your schools this year, know that every step you take on this journey of learning is a step toward discovering who you are and who you can become.”
She also recognised the essential role of parents, calling them “the steady anchors” in their children’s educational journey. “Your unwavering support is the foundation that allows our students to soar,” Minister de Castro remarked. “As partners in this great work, we trust that you will continue to guide, nurture, and inspire your children as they reach for the stars.”
Hon. de Castro offered a heartfelt welcome back to school leaders and educators, acknowledging them as the “architects of possibility” who have demonstrated creativity, dedication, and resilience. “You ventured outside your comfort zones, embraced innovative teaching methods, and led with heart,” she noted. “You understood the assignment, and you excelled!”
Looking ahead, Minister de Castro reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education in the Virgin Islands by emphasising the importance of a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for the future. “This year, we remain committed to ‘Moving Virgin Islands Education Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead,’” she declared. “By integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in meaningful ways, we will equip our students with the tools they need, not just for today but for a future that is still unfolding.”
She concluded her remarks with a call for unity and collaboration, emphasising that the success of the educational system depends on everyone working together. “Let us remember that every lesson is a building block, every challenge a stepping stone, and every success a beacon of light guiding us toward a brighter future,” she said.
“Let us walk boldly into this new chapter, knowing that the future of our beloved Virgin Islands rests in the hands of those who sit in our classrooms today,” Minister de Castro urged. “With unity, dedication, and vision, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. Let’s continue to Move Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead together!”
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is observing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Week 2026 under the theme, “TVET: The Future of the VI — Together We Learn! Together We Earn!,” with Education Minister Sharie B. de Castro describing skills-based education as central to the British Virgin Islands’ economic development and workforce readiness.
The weeklong observance is intended to highlight the role of technical and vocational education in preparing students with practical skills and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as sustainable energy, cosmetology, marine technology and culinary arts.
In a statement marking the occasion, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, said TVET should be viewed as a primary pathway to success rather than an alternative to traditional academic programs.
“Technical and Vocational Education and Training is not a Plan B,” de Castro said. “It is our Plan A for a resilient, self-sufficient Virgin Islands.”
She said the territory is strengthening partnerships between schools and employers to better align classroom instruction with labor market needs.
“When we say ‘Together We Learn,’ we are talking about a new era of partnership,” de Castro said. “We are bridging the gap between the classroom and the job site.”
The minister said investment in TVET is also intended to expand economic opportunities by equipping students to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
“By investing in TVET, we are creating a workforce that doesn’t just look for jobs, but creates them,” she said.
De Castro encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities offered through technical and vocational programs.
“You are the architects of our future,” she said. “Your hands and your minds will build the infrastructure and industries of tomorrow.”
TVET Week 2026 includes activities aimed at promoting technical and vocational education as a key component of the territory’s long-term development strategy
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.
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