Education
Ministry Reports Progress in Education Reforms
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has reported significant progress in school infrastructure, teacher development, student performance, and curriculum reform, according to updates shared by Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, during a ministerial retreat on Sept. 10 and later on the Virgin Islands Voice programme.
The ministry said the initiatives were supported by an $11 million budget increase this year, which funded rehabilitation works across schools, many of which are more than four decades old. Projects completed over the summer included roof sealing, plumbing and electrical upgrades, new water storage tanks, and hurricane-proof windows. Security and recreational improvements were also made, with repairs to fencing, installation of CCTV cameras, upgraded playgrounds, and new basketball courts. The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, described as the first purpose-built special education school in the OECS, has already begun welcoming students.
Acting Permanent Secretary Claude Kettle said the progress reflected early access to funding and technical expertise. “We have done a lot of major rehabilitation work on schools over the summer, largely because we had the funding up front in the 2025 budget and the benefit of two engineers on our team to guide the process,” Mr. Kettle said. “I am pleased to say that we have made incredible changes at most of our schools in the Territory, with more improvements still to come as the year progresses.”
The ministry also reported improvements in teacher recruitment and retention. The “Let’s Teach VI” initiative added 12 new trainees this year and received more than 200 applications. Teacher resignations declined from 17 in 2023 to one by May 2025, which the ministry attributed to higher compensation and expanded professional development. More than 30 educators graduated from certificate programs at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and 10 are pursuing a postgraduate diploma in arts integration with support from Unite BVI.
Student outcomes showed progress in national examinations. The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mathematics pass rate reached 52.61 percent, a six percent improvement over 2024 and 14 percent above the regional average. Schools have also been equipped with 60 smart boards, updated computer labs, and new furniture, with the goal of placing interactive technology in every classroom before the end of the year.
Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe said the ministry has begun a comprehensive curriculum review, the first in more than a decade. “Our goal is to produce a curriculum by 2026 that integrates S.T.E.A.M., raises academic standards, and reflects the values of the Virgin Islands,” Mrs. Crabbe said. She added that the review includes classroom observations, data collection, and the relaunch of a core values curriculum beginning with respect.
Planning is also underway for a new secondary school on the eastern end of Tortola, continued legislative reviews, expanded teacher training partnerships, and the accreditation of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to offer four-year degree programmes.
Hon. de Castro said the success of the initiatives will require broad community involvement. “We are giving more as a government to education,” she said. “We’re asking our teachers, our students, our parents, our community, and our private sector partners to give more as well. If you believe in education, then join us in this mandate.”
For more information, the ministry invited the public to contact its offices at the E.A. Creque Building, Main Street, Road Town, or call (284) 468-2151.
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.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
-
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