Education
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has officially opened applications for the prestigious Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership.
This globally recognised certification, equivalent to an associate degree or A Level, presents a prime opportunity for individuals aiming to refine their management skills or pursue higher education abroad in the UK or the US.
The CMI Level 3 Diploma offers a distinctive advantage to learners looking to study in the UK, as it eliminates the need for a foundation year—saving both time and additional expenses. It also provides advanced standing for those seeking to enroll in US-based institutions. Tailored for supervisors or team leaders, the course is accessible even to individuals new to management roles.
Marva Wheatley, Dean of the Workforce Training Division at HLSCC, underscored the program’s practical focus. “This training is built around real-world application. Participants reflect on their work experiences, receive personalised support from an advisor, and gain skills that make a tangible impact,” she said.
Open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent, the program is especially attractive for mature professionals. The flexible, one-year course structure allows students from the Caribbean region and beyond to participate through virtual learning, with in-person presentations scheduled every six weeks.
HLSCC has been an accredited CMI provider since 2005, offering diplomas at Levels 3, 5, and 7 in Management and Leadership. With an impressive 84% pass rate for initial assignments in the 2024 annual audit, the program continues to demonstrate excellence.
Applications will remain open until October 4, and classes will commence on October 31. Interested individuals can attend a virtual information session hosted by Dean Wheatley on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. (Zoom Meeting ID: 892 1843 8568, Passcode: 900264) for further details.
For additional information, contact Dean Marva Wheatley at (284) 852-7033 or via email at mdawson@hlscc.edu.vg. You may also reach out to Jaheim Maduro at (284) 852-7176 or jmaduro@hlscc.edu.vg.
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is set to shine a light on the Territory’s energy future with the launch of “BVIEC Presents: Watts Going On!”, a week of educational activities taking place from November 10–14, under the theme “Connecting Education, Energy & Opportunity.”
The initiative aims to strengthen links between the energy sector, local schools, and the wider community through a series of interactive tours and learning experiences at BVIEC’s facilities. The week-long programme will give students and professionals a firsthand look at how electricity is generated and distributed across the Virgin Islands, while promoting interest in careers within the growing energy industry.
Guided tours will be held at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond and the Anegada Power Station, offering participants an inside view of BVIEC’s day-to-day operations and technological processes that keep the Territory powered.
Targeting senior high school and secondary school students, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in the field of energy. Participating institutions include the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Secondary School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar International School, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, Agape (Secondary Division), Imagination Academy (Secondary Division), and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
A special tour will also be hosted for students of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre at the Anegada Power Station.
The initiative will culminate on Friday, November 14, with a special session for members of the business community. The guided tour at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station will offer participants insights into BVIEC’s operations, sustainability efforts, and commitment to service excellence across the Territory.
BVIEC’s Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Kamal Haynes, said the “Watts Going On!” initiative represents more than just an open house—it’s an investment in the future of energy in the Virgin Islands.
“This year’s Watts Going On! initiative represents more than just a tour—it’s about sparking curiosity, building understanding, and creating pathways for the next generation to explore careers in energy,” said Haynes. “By inviting students, educators, and the business community to see what we do up close, we’re highlighting the importance of the energy sector and its impact on everyday life.”
Haynes added that the programme underscores BVIEC’s commitment to youth engagement and innovation.
“The energy industry continues to evolve, and with it comes exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. By engaging our students early and encouraging technical curiosity, BVIEC is helping to inspire the future of energy in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
BVIEC expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, for their partnership in coordinating school participation and supporting educational initiatives that inspire career development in the Territory.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Department of Student Affairs hosted Campus Wellness Day on Thursday, October 9, under the theme “Mental Health Matters — and so do YOU,” promoting open dialogue and awareness about mental well-being among students, faculty, and staff.
The event, held in the College Atrium at Paraquita Bay, featured a panel discussion titled “Breaking the Stigma – Talking Openly About Mental Health,” led by Director of Student Affairs Dr. Albert Thompkins and psychological professionals Dr. Michelle Martin and Dr. June Samuels. The panel addressed topics including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies for managing academic and personal stress.
Dr. Thompkins said the initiative was designed to encourage honest conversations about mental health and provide access to supportive resources. “Creating safe spaces for students to talk openly about their experiences helps reduce stigma and build stronger, healthier communities,” he said.
Participants were introduced to tools and community support networks aimed at helping individuals manage stress and strengthen resilience both personally and professionally.
The Department of Student Affairs said the event forms part of HLSCC’s ongoing commitment to student wellness, reinforcing that mental health is essential to academic and personal success.
Education
Elmore Stoutt High School Student Wins 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition Theme Competition
Niaeika Aymer, a 17-year-old student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market Theme Competition, officials confirmed on Wednesday, October 22.
Aymer received a $250 prize from Mr. Vernol Richards, Veterinary Assistant at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, during a brief presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Orville Clarke, Agriculture Management Officer.
Mr. Richards commended Aymer for her creativity and consistency in the competition.
“Congratulations, Niaeika, for the remarkable job,” Richards said. “I encourage more youth to be involved in agriculture and fisheries. Niaeika submitted five entries, and I was happy to be the one to have chosen her winning entry, which was ‘Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nurturing Lives and Legacies.’”
Officials said the annual competition encourages students to engage with the themes of agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability while promoting youth involvement in the Territory’s primary industries.
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