New Life Baptist Church (NLBC) recognised four Virgin Islanders during a special service today. Mrs Bernadine Louis, Mr Milton McLean, Mr Kayron Todman, and Mr Dwight Pickering were honoured as recipients of the NLBC Unsung Heroes award. According to the church, the award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

With this recognition, the four honourees become part of NLBC’s Virgin Islands Unsung Heroes group.

Additionally, Senior Pastor Dr Howard Simon presented a special recognition to Ms Hilda Malcolm, a longstanding member of the church. The annual recognition is given at the pastor’s discretion to a member for their dedication to the church community.

Malcolm is responsible for sewing the choir’s uniforms, including those worn at today’s service. She also serves as an usher and participates in the Ladies’ Ministry, among other church activities.

Students at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) were dismissed early today, February 24,  due to a major water situation affecting the entire Road Town area. School officials announced the unexpected closure in a letter to parents, citing concerns over the ongoing issue.

According to the school’s principal, Vanessa Garraway, classes ended at 12:45 p.m., with transportation arrangements in place for students who regularly take the school bus. Parents and guardians picking up their children were asked to do so by 1:20 p.m., and students were permitted to collect their lunch from school vendors before leaving.

“We deeply apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” Garraway stated in the notice.

The exact cause of the water disruption was not specified in the school’s communication.

Authorities and school administrators have encouraged parents to reach out to the school office with any questions or concerns.

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PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.

In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.

“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.

“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”

In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.

“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.

“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”

As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.

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