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.
The legacy of the late educator and creative writer Ruby Smith-Newberry will be celebrated on Sunday, 23rd February, at 3:30 p.m. at the C.B. Romney Tortola Pier Park lawn.
The event will mark the official launch of Ruby’s Writings, a collection of poetry, drama, and short stories by Smith-Newberry, and will feature a programme of performances and tributes from those inspired by her work.
Smith-Newberry, remembered for her contributions to education, the performing arts, and literature in the BVI, left a lasting impact on generations of students and artists. In recognition of her influence, the event will showcase performances by some of her protégés, alongside noted local and international artists.
The programme will feature performances by vocalist Ashaala Shanae, singer Donna Clyne, and a roster of artists including Gia Fraser, Kendra Penn, Kyle Moses, Sylvanna Charles & her dancers, Thea Cooke & company, Kay-Linda Richardson, Toyer Fahie, and Elmore Stoutt. Readings from Ruby’s Writings will be presented by esteemed author and personal friend, Dr. Pat Turnbull.
The event will also include testimonials from individuals whose lives were shaped by Smith-Newberry’s mentorship and dedication to education and the arts.
In addition to honouring Smith-Newberry’s literary contributions, the event will introduce The Rubystone Foundation BVI, a non-profit organisation dedicated to philanthropy, youth empowerment, and the promotion of inclusivity and the creative and performing arts.
The celebration is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends to commemorate Smith-Newberry’s enduring influence on the BVI’s cultural landscape.
For more information, contact Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson at 284-346-9777.
Parents of students attending Enis Adams Primary School have been urged to warn their children against accepting candy and other items from strangers following concerning reports from the school’s administration.
In an official notice issued by a representative of the school, concerns were raised regarding an individual unaffiliated with the institution distributing items to students at the Festival Grounds. The individual’s identity and intentions remain unclear, prompting the school to take immediate action.
“It was reported that a person who is not a parent or affiliated with the school has been giving items to students,” the statement read. “We urge parents to have discussions with their children about the dangers of accepting items from strangers.”
The school emphasised that students would be advised not to take or consume any such items, and faculty members would also address the matter directly with students.
This incident has sparked concerns about student safety, particularly for those who rely on government transportation services to and from the Festival Grounds. While no harm has been reported, the school administration is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential risks.
Local authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near school transportation areas.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is preparing to establish its first medical school through a groundbreaking initiative by Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU). Scheduled to open in August 2025, the new School of Medicine will be located at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola and will welcome an inaugural class of 50 students.
This expansion marks PHSU’s fourth location and its first in the BVI, solidifying the university’s presence as a leading provider of health sciences education in the Caribbean. The institution also announced plans to offer two full scholarships annually to qualifying BVI students, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting local talent.
“Opening this location in Tortola will make a major difference to students in BVI, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean region, and worldwide because it gives them a truly viable and accessible option to complete their studies in medicine,” said Dr. Gino Natalicchio, President of Ponce Health Sciences University. “Currently, there is a growing need for physicians worldwide. The PHSU School of Medicine provides a good solution by connecting health sciences students to opportunities and experiences to help them accomplish their goals.”
Premier of the British Virgin Islands, the Honorable Natalio Wheatley, hailed the development as a significant milestone for the territory. “We are truly excited to welcome the new PHSU School of Medicine in the British Virgin Islands because of the benefits it will bring not just to health standards in our territory but also to our economy,” he said. “The school will bring a recurring influx of students who will live in the BVI, buy goods, and spend in our businesses. I am optimistic that Virgin Islanders will welcome them and develop services for this new kind of resident.”
The new medical school is expected to grow rapidly, with 75 students projected for the Fall 2026 session. The program will award a medical degree and has already secured provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and a provisional license from the BVI’s Higher Education Licensing Board.
PHSU, with a legacy spanning over 45 years, has established itself as a premier institution for health sciences education, offering degrees in clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, medical sciences, public health, and nursing. The university’s existing campuses boast a 96% residency match rate and have produced groundbreaking research, contributing an average of 50 peer-reviewed articles annually.
MPs Criticise British Virgin Islands Over New Corporate Ownership Register
Planned Power Outage to Affect Parts of Tortola on Wednesday
Government to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Governance Reforms
-
Local News5 days agoFour Charged Following Firearm and Ammunition Seizure in Cane Garden Bay
-
Education6 days agoEnis Adams Primary Warns of Stranger Giving Items to Students at Festival Grounds
-
International1 week agoOutrage in Brazil: 88 Citizens Deported in Shackles Amid U.S. Crackdown
-
International1 week agoICE Immigration Enforcement Begins in U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
-
Entertainment4 days agoThree Women Set Their Sights on Miss RVIPF 2025 Title
-
Uncategorized4 days agoTrinidad’s Police Commissioner Arrested in Firearms Investigation
-
Uncategorized4 days agoICE Agents Cannot Enter USVI Schools Without Judicial Warrant, Governor Says
-
Local News12 hours agoPlanned Power Outage to Affect Parts of Tortola on Wednesday