Education
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has officially opened applications for the prestigious Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership.
This globally recognised certification, equivalent to an associate degree or A Level, presents a prime opportunity for individuals aiming to refine their management skills or pursue higher education abroad in the UK or the US.
The CMI Level 3 Diploma offers a distinctive advantage to learners looking to study in the UK, as it eliminates the need for a foundation year—saving both time and additional expenses. It also provides advanced standing for those seeking to enroll in US-based institutions. Tailored for supervisors or team leaders, the course is accessible even to individuals new to management roles.
Marva Wheatley, Dean of the Workforce Training Division at HLSCC, underscored the program’s practical focus. “This training is built around real-world application. Participants reflect on their work experiences, receive personalised support from an advisor, and gain skills that make a tangible impact,” she said.
Open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent, the program is especially attractive for mature professionals. The flexible, one-year course structure allows students from the Caribbean region and beyond to participate through virtual learning, with in-person presentations scheduled every six weeks.
HLSCC has been an accredited CMI provider since 2005, offering diplomas at Levels 3, 5, and 7 in Management and Leadership. With an impressive 84% pass rate for initial assignments in the 2024 annual audit, the program continues to demonstrate excellence.
Applications will remain open until October 4, and classes will commence on October 31. Interested individuals can attend a virtual information session hosted by Dean Wheatley on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. (Zoom Meeting ID: 892 1843 8568, Passcode: 900264) for further details.
For additional information, contact Dean Marva Wheatley at (284) 852-7033 or via email at mdawson@hlscc.edu.vg. You may also reach out to Jaheim Maduro at (284) 852-7176 or jmaduro@hlscc.edu.vg.
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr. Julian Willock, delivered on his annual promise of giving back to the community with his 2024 Back to School initiative. Under the theme “3 hours, 3 schools, District 3,” Willock and his team made donations to three schools in Sea Cows Bay, reinforcing the importance of education for the youth.
The event kicked off at the Seventh-day Adventist School, continued at St. George’s Secondary School and concluded at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. During each stop, Willock and his District Three Committee handed over books, bags and essential school supplies to help students in the upcoming academic year.
Accompanying Willock were two prominent members of his 30-member committee: businessman Ricky E. Conner, owner of the local band OMG, and former firefighter Joseph A. Fahie, both from the Sea Cows Bay community. Speaking to the students, Conner emphasised the critical role education plays in shaping the future, urging them to stay in school and work toward becoming the next generation of legislators, entrepreneurs, and professionals. “You are the future leaders, and your education is the key to those dreams,” Conner told the students.
Fahie shared personal reflections, recalling his school days when supplies were scarce. He expressed his pride in being part of a committee that ensures today’s students have the resources needed to succeed. “I didn’t always have books or bags growing up, so I’m honored to help make a difference for students now,” Fahie remarked.
Willock explained that the donations were made directly to the schools, allowing teachers and administrators to distribute supplies to students facing challenges throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. The goal, he said, was to make sure no child is left behind due to lack of resources.
The principals and representatives of the participating schools were on hand to receive the donations. Representing the Seventh-day Adventist School was High School Supervisor Mr. Ron E. Hemerding, while St. George’s Principal Ms. Odalys Gonzalez accepted on behalf of her school. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School was represented by Zubida K. O’Neal, Instructional Leader of Mathematics, on behalf of Principal Ms. Ashkisha N. Maduro.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from local businesses, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, Gumption’s Experience BVI, and Nagico Insurance, with additional support from Willock’s Third District Committee and Ms. Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.
The BVIEC had initially anticipated that the issue could be resolved within three hours but later described the situation as more severe than expected. “The BVI Electricity Corporation wishes to inform our customers on Anegada that the power station is experiencing a major malfunction on one of our generating sets. This malfunction will continue to affect our customers on the entire island,” the corporation said in a statement.
Residents were updated this morning with news that there would be no immediate resolution to the problem. “There is no immediate relief to the repairs. We have a team that will travel up to Anegada today, but as it stands, it’s likely that we will face power losses for most of the morning,” the BVIEC announced.
Without electricity, which also means no water supply, local authorities made the decision to suspend classes at the Claudia Creque Educational Center for the day, leaving parents scrambling to make alternative plans. As efforts to restore power continue, Anegada remains in a state of uncertainty.
As a new school year begins in the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, called for a renewed commitment to education, urging the community to “move full S.T.E.A.M. ahead.” With a focus on integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, Minister de Castro stressed the importance of equipping students with the tools they need for an ever-evolving future.
“Our role as educators is to guide our students as they set sail on this ocean of discovery, curiosity, and learning,” she stated, underscoring the collective responsibility in shaping the future of the territory through education.
Minister de Castro addressed students directly, describing them as “the future of this territory.” She emphasized the value of resilience and growth, encouraging them to embrace every step of their educational journey. “Your energy and potential are like seeds planted in fertile soil,” she said. “As you walk through the doors of your schools this year, know that every step you take on this journey of learning is a step toward discovering who you are and who you can become.”
She also recognised the essential role of parents, calling them “the steady anchors” in their children’s educational journey. “Your unwavering support is the foundation that allows our students to soar,” Minister de Castro remarked. “As partners in this great work, we trust that you will continue to guide, nurture, and inspire your children as they reach for the stars.”
Hon. de Castro offered a heartfelt welcome back to school leaders and educators, acknowledging them as the “architects of possibility” who have demonstrated creativity, dedication, and resilience. “You ventured outside your comfort zones, embraced innovative teaching methods, and led with heart,” she noted. “You understood the assignment, and you excelled!”
Looking ahead, Minister de Castro reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education in the Virgin Islands by emphasising the importance of a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for the future. “This year, we remain committed to ‘Moving Virgin Islands Education Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead,’” she declared. “By integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in meaningful ways, we will equip our students with the tools they need, not just for today but for a future that is still unfolding.”
She concluded her remarks with a call for unity and collaboration, emphasising that the success of the educational system depends on everyone working together. “Let us remember that every lesson is a building block, every challenge a stepping stone, and every success a beacon of light guiding us toward a brighter future,” she said.
“Let us walk boldly into this new chapter, knowing that the future of our beloved Virgin Islands rests in the hands of those who sit in our classrooms today,” Minister de Castro urged. “With unity, dedication, and vision, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. Let’s continue to Move Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead together!”
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