St. George’s Secondary School and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) have secured their spots in the semi-finals of the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School Debates.

The two schools will go head-to-head in the semi-final round on February 26. Meanwhile, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division will take on Elmore Stoutt High School for a place in the finals.

Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, highlighted the significance of the debates, stating, “The Inter-Secondary School Debate Series is more than just a competition. It is a platform for developing essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. As we work towards transforming our education system, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in shaping students into confident, articulate, and analytical individuals who can engage meaningfully in discourse on national, regional, and global issues.”

Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs. Heida Selwood praised the students for their strong performances, noting the high level of preparation and skill demonstrated throughout the debates.

“The 2025 debates are off to a strong start, with students delivering well-researched and compelling arguments,” Mrs. Selwood said. “The quality of the presentations was exceptional, with debaters maintaining composure under pressure and engaging in thoughtful discussions. It was truly inspiring to see their dedication.”

Mrs. Selwood added that the Ministry of Education remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages intellectual growth and spirited discourse. “The students embraced this challenge, demonstrating clear expression and the ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives on societal issues,” she said.

Semi-Final Debate Schedule:

Debate #1

• Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Venue: New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre
• Moot: Mental Health Services Should Be Mandatory in All Schools
• Proposition: Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary (BFEC)
• Opposition: Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS)

Debate #2

• Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Venue: New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre
• Moot: Year-Round Tourism is Both Achievable and Sustainable in the Virgin Islands
• Proposition: Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS)
• Opposition: St. George’s Secondary School

The impromptu speech competition will take place on March 12 during the final debate competition. The debates will also be streamed live on Facebook @BVIGovernment. For more information, contact Mrs. Selwood at the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports at 468–2035.

ADVERTISEMENT:

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has denied having discussions with former Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, about rejoining the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government in the House of Assembly.

Speaking to JTV today, February 6, following a contract signing for the territory’s inaugural Solar Technology and Energy program, Hon. Wheatley addressed speculation following a report suggesting he had been in talks with Smith. “I want all of them to come over, all of them—but no, I have not engaged Hon. Smith in any discussion about coming over,” he stated. However, the premier acknowledged reaching out to her for assistance on financial services matters.

Smith, who was dismissed from the government on October 23, 2024, has also refuted claims that she has returned to the VIP government.

“It is not true. I continue to serve the people of this territory to the best of my ability as an independent member of the Opposition,” Smith asserted. Pressed on whether she had ongoing discussions with the premier about rejoining the government, she declined to elaborate, saying, “I have no further comment.”

Smith, who was appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade after the April 2023 general elections, was removed from office via an official letter from Premier Wheatley that morning.

“At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, I received a letter from the Hon. Premier stating he requested that His Excellency the Governor revoke my appointment,” Smith said in a statement at the time.

Her departure resulted in Third District Representative Julian Fraser’s appointment as Deputy Premier. Fraser, a former VIP member and chairman of the Progressives United party, has aligned himself with the ruling VIP government. Wheatley defended the leadership change as a necessary step for ensuring stability.

“This is a necessary change to the composition of the government that provides my administration with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve us well over the course of this House of Assembly,” Wheatley said at the time. “Political stability is critical at this time to ensure we finalize the completion of governance reforms and effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”

Smith, initially elected as a Territorial-At-Large representative under the National Democratic Party (NDP), broke ranks to help form the VIP-led administration before ultimately resigning from the NDP.

ADVERTISEMENT:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana has confirmed that citizens of the Virgin Islands traveling on British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) passports do not require visas to enter Guyana.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) recently announced that its citizens do not require visas to travel to Guyana. This decision, made by the Cabinet on September 24, 2024, aligns with the BVI’s commitment to fostering closer ties and promoting easier travel for business and tourism.

Officials further stated that the Ministry’s website will be updated in due course to reflect this clarification.

This development comes amid broader efforts to facilitate regional cooperation and economic partnerships. The decision to lift visa restrictions is expected to enhance business opportunities and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.