Education
HLSCC Advances Institutional Reforms, Eyes Four-Year Degree Accreditation
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) is undergoing a period of significant institutional reform, driven by a mandate to strengthen its organizational effectiveness and expand academic opportunities. That was the message delivered on Tuesday by Hon. Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, during the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
With support from the Ministry of Education and the College’s Board of Governors, HLSCC has recorded steady gains across student enrolment, programme development, policy compliance, and strategic planning. Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2024, overall enrolment showed modest fluctuations, with full-time student numbers experiencing an early decline before showing partial recovery. In contrast, part-time enrolment increased steadily and now accounts for 54 percent of the 705 students enrolled in associate and certificate programmes. The rising demand for flexible and modular study options has prompted the College to place more emphasis on maintaining quality and support systems for part-time learners.
There has also been a gradual increase in male student enrolment—from 35 percent in 2020 to 41 percent in 2024—a development linked to expanded offerings in technical and marine studies. Business and computer science continue to dominate as the most popular programmes, attracting an average of 280 students annually. Meanwhile, the establishment of the Institute of Education has strengthened academic offerings in teacher preparation, with over 50 students annually pursuing degrees and certificates in education.
HLSCC currently holds accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with its next renewal due in 2028. In preparation, the College has launched a self-study process and is expecting a site visit in 2027. Among the College’s most successful initiatives is the Dual-Enrolment programme, which maintains a steady upward trajectory with about 80 students per year. The programme reflects strong collaboration with both public and private secondary schools and plays a critical role in ensuring students are better prepared for postsecondary education. The Ministry and the College are now working on further expansion of this programme, including targeted offerings in technical subjects and increased focus on college-readiness.
Additionally, students are preparing to sit for Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) in biology, mathematics, and physics this year, following information sessions held by the College to encourage participation in CAPE studies. Financial support from the government has also increased. Over the past year, the Ministry of Education provided an additional $900,000 to the College to help meet its strategic goals and enhance the delivery of higher education.
Institutional reforms have also focused on governance. The Board of Governors approved or revised several internal policies to meet accreditation requirements and address recommendations stemming from the Commission of Inquiry. These include updated policies on academic freedom, faculty and staff appointments, performance evaluation, contract management, compensation and benefits, retirement, and student academic integrity.
A major component of the College’s recent reform was a comprehensive compensation review conducted by Ernst & Young from April to November 2024. This consultancy aligned with broader compensation reforms across the Virgin Islands public service. Minister de Castro, who has consistently advocated for fair and competitive compensation for educators, noted that the College’s salary structures had not been formally reviewed since 2009, apart from a 3 percent increment approved by the Board in 2023. The EY report recommended simplifying and increasing faculty salary bands to bring them in line with government compensation frameworks, with salary increases tied to performance and career development. The report also advised that compensation decisions be governed by transparent, formalised policy.
In response, HLSCC adopted a new simplified salary band structure that is now reflected in job advertisements. Faculty salaries saw a 35 percent increase in starting salary bands, and existing faculty whose salaries fell below the new benchmarks received adjustments retroactive to January 1, 2025.
Looking ahead, the College has been given a mandate by the Minister to explore the feasibility of offering four-year bachelor’s degrees in strategic disciplines. Initial work has begun toward the accreditation of a bachelor’s degree in education, aimed at addressing a well-documented national shortage of trained educators.
As HLSCC marks its 35th anniversary, it continues to pursue its mission of providing quality academic programmes backed by international accreditation, multiple articulation agreements, and a growing alumni base contributing to the economic and social development of the Virgin Islands.
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The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is set to shine a light on the Territory’s energy future with the launch of “BVIEC Presents: Watts Going On!”, a week of educational activities taking place from November 10–14, under the theme “Connecting Education, Energy & Opportunity.”
The initiative aims to strengthen links between the energy sector, local schools, and the wider community through a series of interactive tours and learning experiences at BVIEC’s facilities. The week-long programme will give students and professionals a firsthand look at how electricity is generated and distributed across the Virgin Islands, while promoting interest in careers within the growing energy industry.
Guided tours will be held at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond and the Anegada Power Station, offering participants an inside view of BVIEC’s day-to-day operations and technological processes that keep the Territory powered.
Targeting senior high school and secondary school students, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in the field of energy. Participating institutions include the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Secondary School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar International School, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, Agape (Secondary Division), Imagination Academy (Secondary Division), and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
A special tour will also be hosted for students of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre at the Anegada Power Station.
The initiative will culminate on Friday, November 14, with a special session for members of the business community. The guided tour at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station will offer participants insights into BVIEC’s operations, sustainability efforts, and commitment to service excellence across the Territory.
BVIEC’s Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Kamal Haynes, said the “Watts Going On!” initiative represents more than just an open house—it’s an investment in the future of energy in the Virgin Islands.
“This year’s Watts Going On! initiative represents more than just a tour—it’s about sparking curiosity, building understanding, and creating pathways for the next generation to explore careers in energy,” said Haynes. “By inviting students, educators, and the business community to see what we do up close, we’re highlighting the importance of the energy sector and its impact on everyday life.”
Haynes added that the programme underscores BVIEC’s commitment to youth engagement and innovation.
“The energy industry continues to evolve, and with it comes exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. By engaging our students early and encouraging technical curiosity, BVIEC is helping to inspire the future of energy in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
BVIEC expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, for their partnership in coordinating school participation and supporting educational initiatives that inspire career development in the Territory.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Department of Student Affairs hosted Campus Wellness Day on Thursday, October 9, under the theme “Mental Health Matters — and so do YOU,” promoting open dialogue and awareness about mental well-being among students, faculty, and staff.
The event, held in the College Atrium at Paraquita Bay, featured a panel discussion titled “Breaking the Stigma – Talking Openly About Mental Health,” led by Director of Student Affairs Dr. Albert Thompkins and psychological professionals Dr. Michelle Martin and Dr. June Samuels. The panel addressed topics including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies for managing academic and personal stress.
Dr. Thompkins said the initiative was designed to encourage honest conversations about mental health and provide access to supportive resources. “Creating safe spaces for students to talk openly about their experiences helps reduce stigma and build stronger, healthier communities,” he said.
Participants were introduced to tools and community support networks aimed at helping individuals manage stress and strengthen resilience both personally and professionally.
The Department of Student Affairs said the event forms part of HLSCC’s ongoing commitment to student wellness, reinforcing that mental health is essential to academic and personal success.
Education
Elmore Stoutt High School Student Wins 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition Theme Competition
Niaeika Aymer, a 17-year-old student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market Theme Competition, officials confirmed on Wednesday, October 22.
Aymer received a $250 prize from Mr. Vernol Richards, Veterinary Assistant at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, during a brief presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Orville Clarke, Agriculture Management Officer.
Mr. Richards commended Aymer for her creativity and consistency in the competition.
“Congratulations, Niaeika, for the remarkable job,” Richards said. “I encourage more youth to be involved in agriculture and fisheries. Niaeika submitted five entries, and I was happy to be the one to have chosen her winning entry, which was ‘Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nurturing Lives and Legacies.’”
Officials said the annual competition encourages students to engage with the themes of agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability while promoting youth involvement in the Territory’s primary industries.
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