Education
HLSCC Honors Top Achievers at 32nd Graduation Ceremony
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.
Education
BVIEC Launches “Watts Going On!” Week to Connect Energy, Education, and Opportunity
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.
Education
HLSCC Hosts Campus Wellness Day Focused on Mental Health Awareness
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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