Education
BVI Opens New School Year With Record $67.4 Million Education Budget
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports opened the 2025–26 academic year Friday, August 29, during its annual Professional Day ceremony, announcing a record $67.4 million budget for education with an additional $1.8 million from a supplementary appropriation.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Sharie B. de Castro said the investment represents the largest in the territory’s history, noting it is $11 million more than last year’s allocation. “Education is not an expense, it is a savings account. Every dollar deposited is a seed sown,” she said.
Renovations and upgrades were completed over the summer at Francis Lettsome, Enis Adams, Ebenezer Thomas, Joyce Samuel and Alexandrina Maduro Primary Schools, according to the ministry. Classrooms across the territory also received air-conditioning, electrical upgrades and safety improvements.
The minister announced that the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre will officially open on Sept. 8. The facility is described as the first purpose-built special education school in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. She also presented designs for a new Althea Scatliffe Primary School, which she said will provide modern facilities for 21st-century learning.
In higher education, the government confirmed plans for H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to begin offering four-year degrees, starting with programs in education, allowing students and teachers to pursue advanced study without leaving the Virgin Islands.
Guest speaker Jordan Dawson, an alumnus of Elmore Stoutt High School and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, urged teachers to focus on student-centered learning. “Teaching is not about you; it’s about unlocking each student’s unique potential. Be strategic, be intentional, and be strong,” Dawson said.
Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe emphasized the new school year’s theme, “Full Steam Ahead: Future Focused, Student Led.” She said recent progress is evident in dual enrollment opportunities, improved exam results and greater student confidence.
Following Professional Day, teachers participated in a weeklong Summer Institute to prepare for the academic year through professional development sessions.
The ministry said its investments in infrastructure, training and new programs are part of a long-term effort to ensure all students in the Virgin Islands have access to high-quality education.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed agreements to begin the design phase for student dormitories at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a project aimed at expanding access to higher education for students across the territory.
The Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Contribution, signed on Tuesday, April 14, between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Recovery and Development Agency, mark the start of work toward developing on-campus housing at the Paraquita Bay campus.
Officials said the dormitories are expected to address longstanding challenges faced by students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, who often encounter higher costs and logistical difficulties due to travel and accommodation limitations.
“For many years, students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda have faced additional hurdles simply because of geography,” Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said. “With the construction of these dormitories, we will remove one of the most persistent barriers to higher education for our own people.”
The project is intended to make it easier for students throughout the Virgin Islands to pursue tertiary and post-secondary education locally, reducing the need to relocate or manage extended commutes.
Officials said the development has long been part of the college’s master plan and represents a step toward strengthening the territory’s education system.
The dormitories are also expected to accommodate students from outside the territory, supporting broader efforts to expand educational opportunities and diversify the economy.
The Recovery and Development Agency is overseeing the project, with the design phase to be followed by construction.
Zac Richards and Zendée Menal of Cedar International School and Daundre Rhodes of Bregado Flax Educational Centre were recognized by Seven Seas Water Group with the Prize for Water Science at the 2026 National Science Fair closing ceremony on March 20.
The award, presented in observance of World Water Day, highlights student research addressing water-related challenges under the theme “Innovate with Purpose, Create with Care, Solve for Tomorrow.”
Richards and Menal won the secondary division for their project, “Comparative Analysis of Water Quality in the BVI,” which examined physical and chemical parameters at three coastal locations. The study provides baseline data that can inform efforts to develop a national marine water quality framework, with implications for public health and marine ecosystems.
Rhodes received the primary division award for “Bubble Tubing: A Natural Solution to Sargassum in the Virgin Islands.” The project proposed a method to repel sargassum from desalination intake areas, aiming to reduce the effects of decomposition on water taste and odor.
On March 27, Richards and Menal visited the Paraquita Bay Water Plant, where they received their awards and toured desalination operations. Kevon Smith, the plant manager and a former National Science Fair winner, guided the students through processes including cartridge filtration, membrane technology and reverse osmosis.
Noni M. Georges, community relations advisor at Seven Seas Water BVI, said the students’ work demonstrated both scientific rigor and engagement with local challenges. “Seven Seas Water BVI is honored to celebrate and support their achievements,” she said.
Smith said the projects reflected ideas relevant to the territory’s water management. “These are not just projects — they are the kinds of ideas that can shape how we manage and protect our water resources,” he said.
Seven Seas Water Group also acknowledged the Ministry of Education, Science Fair Coordinator Renee Caines, participating students, teachers, schools and parents for organizing the event.
Roman Nibbs Alberto, 17, a 12th grade student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been selected as Premier for a Week, the Office of the Premier announced.
Mr. Nibbs Alberto will be sworn in by Governor Daniel Pruce on April 7 and will serve in the role for one week, during which he is expected to carry out official duties and work alongside Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
In remarks following his selection, Mr. Nibbs Alberto said, “I’m thankful that I won the election. I want to thank the organisers of this free and fair election. I want to thank my worthy competitors and I want to thank everybody that voted and campaigned for me.”
The Office of the Premier said the program provides participants with the opportunity to engage in leadership and governance activities.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said he looks forward to working with the incoming Premier and intends to extend his congratulations.
The Office of the Premier also acknowledged the other participants in the program, including Niaeika Aymer, Trishelle Phillips, Rudell Stoute and Zhane Walters.
Final results showed Mr. Nibbs Alberto receiving 905 points, followed by Ms. Aymer with 804 points, Ms. Phillips with 605 points, Mr. Stoute with 551 points and Ms. Walters with 611 points.
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