Education
Nine Inmates at His Majesty’s Prison Earn High School Certification Through Alternative Education Programme
Nine incarcerated young men at His Majesty’s Prison are among the latest graduates of the Alternative Secondary Education Programme (ASEP), receiving their high school certification as part of the Class of 2025. The milestone marks a significant moment in the Territory’s ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities for all, including those in custodial care.
The achievement, announced by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, is viewed as a key outcome of the Territory’s rehabilitation-focused approach to corrections. Officials say it demonstrates a broader commitment to second chances, personal growth, and inclusive education.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, attended the graduation ceremony and commended the inmates’ perseverance. “These young men chose to believe in their futures and committed to a path of transformation,” Wheatley said. “Their success represents the very heart of what rehabilitation should be.”
Addressing the graduates directly, Honourable Wheatley added, “You completed this stage of your journey, not because it was easy, but because you believed your future was worth fighting for. That kind of determination, believing better days are ahead, is what makes today so extraordinary.”

ASEP Coordinator, Ms. Careen Cuffy, also spoke at the ceremony and recognised the dedication shown by the young men. She described the initiative as a meaningful example of rehabilitation through education and noted the growing collaboration between ASEP and His Majesty’s Prison.
“Under the leadership of our current Minister of Education, Honourable Sharie de Castro, the programme continues to expand,” said Cuffy. “One of the most exciting developments is our partnership with His Majesty’s Prison. Starting September 2025, young men in custody will not only have the opportunity to earn a High School Certificate but also gain vocational certification in Woodwork through ASEP.”
The nine inmate graduates were part of a larger cohort of 32 students who completed either the ASEP or the Virgin Islands High School Certificate Programme this year.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development expressed appreciation to the staff of His Majesty’s Prison, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Education, Hope Academy, and other partners who supported the educational achievement.
Officials from the Ministry reiterated their commitment to enhancing the health and social well-being of all Virgin Islands residents, including those engaged in correctional rehabilitation.

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.
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoPedestrian Flung Into Air in Pasea Estate Hit-and-Run
-
Health2 weeks agoServices to Resume at Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic After Completion of AC Works and Deep Cleaning
-
Local News2 weeks agoRotary Club of Tortola Mourns Passing of Past President Sam Welch
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoAndrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMaya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
-
Local News7 days agoGovernor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands













