Education
BVI Summer Film Academy Production Boot Camp Concludes with Premiere-Ready Short Film
The BVI Film Commission has concluded its Summer Film Academy Production Boot Camp, a one-week programme designed to provide aspiring filmmakers in the British Virgin Islands with hands-on experience across all areas of film production. The intensive workshop, held at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, brought together participants aged 17 to 65, offering real-world training and mentorship from industry professionals.
The programme was conducted in partnership with FaceForward Productions and featured training across multiple departments, including directing, cinematography, acting, script supervision, props, wardrobe, and hair and makeup. Participants rotated through these roles during the week, gaining practical skills and exposure to the day-to-day demands of a functioning film set.
Central to the experience was the production of Between the Lines, an original short film written by academy participant Dakarai Wheatley Adams. Adams, who previously won the Film Commission’s Student Smartphone Film Competition, also earned the top prize in this year’s Scriptwriting Competition. His script was selected as the official project of the boot camp.
“This academy wasn’t just about teaching filmmaking — it was about creating opportunities for the participants, nurturing their dreams and talent, and supporting the development of our local film industry,” said Natalie Hodge, Film Commissioner at the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission. “It’s also about giving participants access to the tools, resources, and professionals who can share real-world knowledge and expertise to help them thrive in this industry in and beyond the territory.”
Participants received daily instruction and on-set guidance from FaceForward Productions founder CJ Faison and Director of Photography Brittney Janae. Both professionals worked closely with the cohort, providing instruction in pre-production planning, cinematography, location scouting, lighting, scene blocking, and visual storytelling techniques.
“This was special. These emerging filmmakers leave not only with a completed project but with a strategic guide to shaping their future in the industry,” said Faison, an Emmy-nominated and award-winning producer. “Opportunity and exposure are essential—and this programme is dedicated to providing both. I was honoured to be a part of it.”
A three-day Lunch & Learn segment supplemented the training with talks on branding, purpose, and professionalism. Public relations and brand strategist Crystal Frost led the discussions, offering participants guidance on navigating their future careers in the creative sector.
The completed short film is set to premiere during the 284 Excellence Film Festival, scheduled for 30 October to 2 November 2025. It will serve as the first public screening of the participants’ work and marks the culmination of their efforts during the academy.
“Their belief in our youth and our mission to grow the film industry in the Virgin Islands is deeply appreciated,” Hodge said, thanking the programme’s sponsors and guest mentors. “Without the support from our sponsors, this academy would not have been possible.”
The 2025 Summer Film Academy Production Boot Camp was supported by a wide range of community partners, including the BVI Red Cross, CIBC Caribbean Bank Limited, FaceForward Productions, Frozen Imports, the Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Honourable Marlon A. Penn, Honourable Vincent W. Wheatley, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, The Nest Restaurant, Riteway, Skelton Group of Companies, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Seagrape Studios, Working For You Ltd., Village Cay, and VP Bank.
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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