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Education Minister Calls for Overhaul in Learning, Emphasis on Technology

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The Virgin Islands can no longer afford to rely on traditional teaching methods and outdated structures, Minister for Education Hon. Sharie deCastro declared, calling for a bold reimagining of the territory’s approach to learning with a focus on integrating modern technology.

In a statement marking the launch of Education Month 2025, Hon. deCastro underscored the urgency of diversifying the curriculum to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

“Education is the bedrock of progress—the foundation upon which strong nations are built,” Hon. deCastro said. “It is the engine that drives economic growth, the spark that fuels innovation, and the thread that binds together a resilient, forward-thinking society.”

She emphasised that the Virgin Islands must build an education system that not only meets current needs but also anticipates the challenges of the future. “We must be bold, innovative, and relentless in our pursuit of excellence,” she added.

Central to this transformation is the government’s investment in STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. According to deCastro, STEAM is key to fostering innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all essential for students to remain competitive in a global economy.

“Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides in STEAM, empowering our students to think like engineers, designers, and inventors,” the Education Minister said. “Robotics is not just about machines; it is about teaching students to embrace challenges, persist through failure, and create solutions that will shape the future.”

This year’s theme, “Innovate, Inspire, Transform: A Reimagined Education for All,” underscores the ministry’s vision for a modern and inclusive education system. DeCastro reiterated the commitment to moving the Virgin Islands’ education system “Full STEAM Ahead,” ensuring students are prepared for a world increasingly shaped by digital transformation and global competition.

In observance of Education Month, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports has organised several initiatives designed to engage students, educators, and the wider community. Teach for a Day will give participants first-hand experience in the life of a teacher. The Principals’ Leadership Conference will focus on transformational leadership in education, while the Education Round Table will address diverse learning needs, including the power of dyslexia. The Science and Innovation Fair will showcase student-driven technological and scientific advancements, and the Youth Symposium will provide students a platform to voice their perspectives on education reform. The Inter-Primary Schools Athletic Championships will highlight teamwork and school spirit through sports.

The ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. This includes expanding access to education, ensuring equity, and strengthening human capital through professional development for educators.

“By investing in our students and educators, we are securing the future of the Virgin Islands,” deCastro stated. “Education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it is about shaping leaders, innovators, and change-makers.”

 

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Chantel Malone Leaps to First Place Amid Headwinds at Tucson Elite Classic:

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Chantel Malone of the British Virgin Islands secured first place in the women’s long jump at the Tucson Elite Classic with a leap of 6.43 meters (21 feet 1¼ inches). The event marked Malone’s third meet of the season, following jumps of 6.63 meters in Miami and 6.58 meters in Atlanta.

“Going into Tucson, I was focused on execution,” Malone said. “I’ve been having a little bit of trouble with my approach, so I really wanted to lock in and get that right. Unfortunately, we had a strong headwind, so it made it difficult to be consistent on the board.”

Despite the challenging wind conditions, Malone expressed confidence in her progress and readiness for the rest of the season. “I don’t think the actual results are a true depiction of where I am physically,” she explained. “Long jump is such a technical sport that the simplest thing can affect the overall jump. Once I connect the dots, I truly believe I will fly.”

Malone is no stranger to overcoming adversity. After a knee injury that required surgery, she has worked to reestablish herself in the international long jump scene. Reflecting on her journey, she added, “As you know, my journey back to sport after injury has been one for the books! I’m just living proof that if you truly believe in yourself and work relentlessly towards your goal, anything is possible. That’s what I hope my journey inspires in others.”

Looking ahead, Malone plans to prioritize health and rediscover her rhythm. “For the rest of the season, the goal is to get back to being me,” she said. “Having fun with the sport. Trusting Jehovah fully. Conquering goals! I think this season should be great once I stay healthy.”

Malone continues to build on her performances as she competes in events across the 2025 season.

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Festival Costs Outpace Revenue Despite $1M Intake, Says Premier

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The British Virgin Islands’ annual cultural festival generated over one million US dollars in revenue last year, but according to Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, that figure was not enough to cover the full cost of staging the event.

“While it’s encouraging that the festival brought in over a million, the reality is that expenses continue to run into the millions,” Dr Wheatley said during a recent appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, 14 May. “It’s a massive undertaking, and the financial responsibility is shared between government, sponsors, and revenue from ticket sales and other activities.”

The festival, a cornerstone of Virgin Islands cultural life, remains a priority for the government—but not a commercial venture. The Premier was quick to emphasise that the objective is not to generate profit, but to ensure that the event is sustainable and that local vendors and service providers are paid promptly.

“Our role isn’t to make money,” he said. “We want local businesses to benefit. When we charge at the gate or host activities, it’s simply to cover costs and make sure no one is left unpaid.”

This year, government officials are hoping to improve the festival’s management framework by formalising the Festival and Fairs Committee. The Premier confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development is in the final stages of selecting board members, with recommendations expected to go before Cabinet in the coming days.

Among those currently serving are long-standing volunteers, some of whom have applied for official posts on the incoming board. “These are people who have poured their time and energy into making this festival a success year after year,” Wheatley said.

Volunteers currently receive minimal benefits, such as event access, but legislation does allow for stipends to be issued to official committee members. As the structure evolves, Dr Wheatley suggested that further support could be considered for sub-committee leaders who bear significant workloads.

Despite the financial challenges, the Premier remained optimistic about the future of the festival and the community’s enduring commitment to its cultural heritage.

“This is something we do out of love for who we are,” he said. “With better planning and continued support, we’ll keep it alive and thriving.”

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Nyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End

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Nyron Erickson was shot and killed in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon in  the West End area of Tortola, the British Virgin Islands, in an attack that police say is now the focus of an active investigation.

The 33-year-old, who had been at the centre of a high-profile international legal case, was fatally wounded shortly after 3:00 p.m. on May 10 while riding a scooter in the area.

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), unknown assailants opened fire, striking him multiple times.

Officers responded to the scene and cordoned off the entrance to Zion Hill, near Big Ben’s Gas Station, as investigations began.

The RVIPF confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, adding that the matter remains under active investigation.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kenrick Davis stressed that he was alarm at the continued use of violence in the Territory.

“Every life lost to gun violence is one too many. With each incident of this kind, the immediate family members suffer immense loss and grief, but the entire
community also suffers from the resultant vicarious trauma. This trauma is manifested in many ways, including a shared fear of crime, which negatively
impacts the quality of life. We are doing everything we can to solve this instant crime, but there has to be an all-hands-on-deck approach to mitigate gun
violence in the Territory.”

He added: “We are urging the community to come forward with any information, no matter how small, that may assist us in identifying and bringing those
responsible to justice.”

An unverified video circulating on multiple social media platforms in the BVI appears to show the moment of the shooting, with armed assailants firing
several rounds from a moving vehicle. Police are yet to officially comment on the authenticity of the footage.

Erickson’s death brings a sudden and violent close to a complex legal saga that extended across BVI, United States Virgin Islands
(USVI), and the United Kingdom (UK).

His legal challenges began in August 2019, when a federal grand jury in St. Thomas, USVI, indicted him over an alleged conspiracy in 2018 to transport
$130,000 in suspected drug proceeds from Tortola to the USVI via ferry.

An arrest warrant was issued in the United States on January 17, 2020, followed by a local warrant from the RVIPF in February. Erickson remained at large for several months before voluntarily surrendering to authorities on August 30, 2020.

He was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison on Tortola and spent more than two years contesting extradition to the US. His appeals ultimately failed before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council—Tortola’s highest appellate court—and he was extradited on February 27, 2023.

In the USVI, he was charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and the unlawful transportation of funds into the United States. However, the case fell apart, and federal prosecutors dropped the charges after six months.

Upon his return to the BVI, Erickson was arrested again on September 20, 2023, moments after disembarking a ferry in Road Town. Five days later, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed 21 charges against him, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of cocaine and cannabis, and money laundering.

Erickson strongly challenged the prosecution’s evidence. The Crown relied heavily on WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged between Erickson and co-accused Jose Almestica, along with forensic voice analysis reports and witness testimony.

His defence team argued that the WhatsApp messages and related reports constituted “hearsay upon hearsay” and lacked sufficient legal or expert foundation. They further disputed the credibility of a witness who claimed to identify Erickson by the aliases “WestBank” and “BandSpatron”, asserting that the evidence was inadmissible and unreliable.

Citing multiple precedents from UK appellate courts and the Privy Council, the defence insisted that extrajudicial statements, particularly those from a co- accused, should not be used to implicate their client.

Erickson was quietly released from custody and remained in the Territory at the time of his death. The DPP has not publicly shared the status of his case to date.

As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been announced. Police urge the public with any information to make contact. Meanwhile, inquiries into the fatal shooting are ongoing.

 

 

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