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