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.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, under guidance from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), has mandated the closure of all public schools across the British Virgin Islands today. This precautionary measure prioritises the safety of students, teachers, and staff amid predictions of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy spells expected to impact the region throughout the day.

In a statement addressed to parents and community members, the Ministry underscored the importance of safety given the unpredictable nature of the weather conditions. “Students and teachers are asked to remain at home,” Hoyles stated. “We encourage teachers to provide assignments through online platforms where feasible, though some areas may face disruptions due to power outages.”

The closure decision comes as the DDM anticipates potential hazards posed by the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with risks to transportation and infrastructure. To mitigate these impacts, officials are urging residents to monitor updates closely and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.

The DDM and Ministry officials will continue to assess the weather conditions throughout the day. Parents and guardians are advised to keep updated through official government communications. For any inquiries, the Ministry can be reached at (284) 468-2151 or via their website at www.bvi.gov.vg.

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.