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.
