The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed a contract valued at $370,000 for the design and construction management of a new Immigration Detention Centre, advancing plans to upgrade the Territory’s national security and immigration infrastructure.

The contract was awarded on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to Trojan Design and Development Ltd. The company was selected through the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) procurement process, which considers both technical qualifications and financial proposals.

The upcoming facility is intended to replace existing temporary detention arrangements and is expected to be designed in accordance with regional and international standards for safety and humane treatment.

Under the terms of the contract, Trojan Design and Development Ltd will be responsible for producing architectural plans, obtaining planning approvals, and managing the construction phase of the project. The firm is also tasked with monitoring the budget and ensuring compliance with the government’s project schedule.

The location and timeline for construction have not yet been publicly disclosed. However, government officials have indicated that design work will begin promptly as part of broader modernization efforts across the Territory’s public safety sector.

The Immigration Detention Centre forms part of the Virgin Islands’ continued work to strengthen immigration processes and align with global best practices.

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) celebrated its 32nd Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. Held under the institution’s 35th anniversary theme, “The Dream of a Visionary,” the event recognized 145 graduates and their academic accomplishments, with over 150 degrees and certificates awarded. The ceremony featured remarks by Acting Premier Kye Rymer and Minister for Education Sharie B. de Castro, while the keynote address was delivered by Bishop John I. Cline.

Among the top academic performers was Aniyah Williams, who earned the highest overall grade point average among full-time students and received the President’s Award as well as the Academic Excellence / Shining Star Award. Alysha Lewis-Stevens, who studied part-time, also received the President’s Award for maintaining the highest GPA in her category. The College named 12 students graduating with honors—two summa cum laude, two magna cum laude, and eight cum laude.

HLSCC also recognized excellence within individual disciplines. Romonia Sasha Singh was named Top Accounting Graduate and received an award sponsored by Ernst & Young. Other top discipline awardees included T’Liah Dawson (Computer Studies), Doian Kettle (Finance), Desarie Maynard (Small Business), and Aadi Parillon (Humanities). Jaresha Blyden received multiple distinctions, including the Highest GPA in the Workforce Training Division and the Culinary Creativity Award.

The College also acknowledged students graduating with more than one credential. Ten graduates earned double awards, including Horace Watson and M’Kyda Smith, while Chekelle Akhaiya Liburd completed four academic awards—the highest number in the graduating class.

Of the 154 awards conferred, 82 were Associate of Science degrees, 39 were Associate of Arts degrees, and 5 were Associate of Applied Science degrees. In addition, 18 students earned Certificates of Achievement, while 10 received completion certificates through the Chartered Management Institute.

For those who missed the ceremony, a full recording is available via HLSCC’s YouTube channel.

Two young farmers from the Virgin Islands recently represented their Territory at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers for Agriculture meeting, held from May 26 to May 30 at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Marley Donovan of Aukie’s Farm and Basheera Maduro, a student and crop and livestock farmer, participated in the regional event alongside Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson, who attended on behalf of Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley.

The meeting brought together ministers, policymakers, and young agricultural leaders from across the Eastern Caribbean to address current challenges in the sector, explore sustainable practices, and discuss strategies for boosting youth participation in agriculture.

Workshops, technical site visits, and collaborative sessions focused on topics such as climate-resilient farming, regenerative agriculture, market development, and the integration of technology in food production.

“We were exposed to regenerative agriculture and natural pest control methods, which can make a big difference in how we farm at home,” Donovan said following the event.

Maduro noted the importance of learning from regional peers and accessing innovation: “There were so many valuable insights on the role of technology and partnerships in helping young farmers succeed.”

The OECS Council identified several barriers facing young people in agriculture, including restricted access to financing, land, and infrastructure, as well as high input costs. Proposed solutions included the creation of mentorship programs, integrating agriculture into school curricula, expanding agro-processing facilities, and offering greater access to low-interest loans and grants.

A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of the OECS Agriculture Forum for Youth—a new platform aimed at giving young agricultural professionals a voice in shaping policy and programming.

According to the Government of the Virgin Islands, these regional efforts align with its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment in the agricultural sector. The participation of young farmers in international discussions is seen as an important step toward ensuring long-term sustainability and economic resilience.