Education
`Stay in School’ Message Echoed at Willock’s D3 Back to School 2024
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr. Julian Willock, delivered on his annual promise of giving back to the community with his 2024 Back to School initiative. Under the theme “3 hours, 3 schools, District 3,” Willock and his team made donations to three schools in Sea Cows Bay, reinforcing the importance of education for the youth.
The event kicked off at the Seventh-day Adventist School, continued at St. George’s Secondary School and concluded at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. During each stop, Willock and his District Three Committee handed over books, bags and essential school supplies to help students in the upcoming academic year.
Accompanying Willock were two prominent members of his 30-member committee: businessman Ricky E. Conner, owner of the local band OMG, and former firefighter Joseph A. Fahie, both from the Sea Cows Bay community. Speaking to the students, Conner emphasised the critical role education plays in shaping the future, urging them to stay in school and work toward becoming the next generation of legislators, entrepreneurs, and professionals. “You are the future leaders, and your education is the key to those dreams,” Conner told the students.
Fahie shared personal reflections, recalling his school days when supplies were scarce. He expressed his pride in being part of a committee that ensures today’s students have the resources needed to succeed. “I didn’t always have books or bags growing up, so I’m honored to help make a difference for students now,” Fahie remarked.
Willock explained that the donations were made directly to the schools, allowing teachers and administrators to distribute supplies to students facing challenges throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. The goal, he said, was to make sure no child is left behind due to lack of resources.
The principals and representatives of the participating schools were on hand to receive the donations. Representing the Seventh-day Adventist School was High School Supervisor Mr. Ron E. Hemerding, while St. George’s Principal Ms. Odalys Gonzalez accepted on behalf of her school. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School was represented by Zubida K. O’Neal, Instructional Leader of Mathematics, on behalf of Principal Ms. Ashkisha N. Maduro.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from local businesses, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, Gumption’s Experience BVI, and Nagico Insurance, with additional support from Willock’s Third District Committee and Ms. Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation has enriched the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School with a collection of books spotlighting the Virgin Islands’ rich history, heritage, and culture.
The donation, presented by Abigail O’Neal, Executive Director of the Foundation, comes as part of the organization’s commitment to preserving the region’s cultural legacy while fostering a love for reading.
“Every school year, my father would donate books by local and other authors to schools throughout the Territory,” said O’Neal. “It’s my humble pleasure to carry on this tradition as part of the Foundation’s work.”
During her visit to the school, O’Neal found herself inspired by the students’ palpable enthusiasm for learning. One student proudly shared that he was juggling three books at once, a testament to the school’s nurturing environment and the students’ thirst for knowledge.
“It is so important that our children develop a love for the written word in all forms. Reading not only educates but expands one’s vision and transports readers to different worlds,” O’Neal emphasized.
The donation includes several rare and out-of-print titles, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to reintroduce pivotal historical works to the Virgin Islands community. These books, O’Neal explained, are vital for preserving the wisdom and lessons of the past.
Engaging with the students, she encouraged discussions about the significance of history. The students’ collective response — “Because those lessons can help us inform the future” — underscored the lasting impact of such initiatives.
O’Neal also commended the efforts of Ms. Powell and her teaching staff for creating an environment that fosters academic curiosity and excellence. She extended her gratitude to Victor International and the Johnson Family for their continued support of education in Virgin Gorda.
For more information, please contact: Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
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