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.
BVIslander J’Sally O’Niel was officially called to practice as a member of the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Territory of the Virgin Islands on Monday, January 13. The ceremony, held before the Honourable Justice Stanley John K.C., saw J’Sally presented to the court by Associate Aaron Mayers.
J’Sally, who began her pupillage at Conyers’ BVI office in September 2024, has quickly gained recognition for her professionalism. Mark Forte, Partner and Head of BVI Litigation & Restructuring at Conyers, commended her work ethic, noting, “J’Sally has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, and we look forward to seeing her thrive in her legal career.”
J’Sally earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in October 2024.
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
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