Education

Virgin Islands Ministry of Education Launches Professional Development Series for Educators

Published

4 months ago

October 11, 2024

Editor

The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive Professional Development Series for educators, in collaboration with the Institute of Education at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). This initiative, which began in September and will run through January 2025, aims to equip teachers with modern tools, strategies, and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Orlandette Crabbe, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing educator support, stating, “Professional development for educators remains a top priority, as we continue our commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands. By investing in our teachers, we ensure they are equipped with the most up-to-date tools and strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students.”

Crabbe also underscored the importance of the collaboration with HLSCC, noting that the partnership has been pivotal in building the capacity of Virgin Islands educators. “We look forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen this partnership and continue supporting the professional growth of our teachers,” she added.

The series offers sessions covering a range of critical topics, including innovative teaching techniques, classroom management, technology integration, and student engagement practices. These topics were chosen based on feedback from educators, ensuring relevance to the needs identified at all levels of the education system.

Sessions are designed in a multi-part format, allowing educators to explore concepts in depth and apply them in their classrooms. Participants will gain insights, actionable strategies, and valuable resources, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Additionally, the program fosters peer collaboration, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the cultivation of a professional growth culture among teachers.

Importantly, the Professional Development Series is being offered at no cost to educators, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to making continuous learning accessible and impactful.

Stephen Joseph, the newly appointed Director of the Institute of Education at HLSCC, expressed enthusiasm for leading the initiative. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to empower educators in the Virgin Islands. The Institute of Education is dedicated to advancing innovative and inclusive education practices,” Joseph said.

He added, “Our mission is to prepare teachers who are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for social justice and community engagement. This Professional Development Series exemplifies our commitment to fostering teaching excellence and improving educational standards across the Territory.”

Educators interested in the series can register by scanning the QR code in the program flyer or using the provided registration link. For more information, educators are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Education or the HLSCC Institute of Education.

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Education

Ponce Health Sciences University Opens First Medical School in the BVI This August

Published

4 days ago

January 24, 2025

Editor

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.

Education

BVIslander J’Sally O’Niel Called to Practice as Member of the BVI Bar

Published

2 weeks ago

January 17, 2025

Editor

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

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2024

Editor

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.