Education
`Stay in School’ Message Echoed at Willock’s D3 Back to School 2024
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.
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, under guidance from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), has mandated the closure of all public schools across the British Virgin Islands today. This precautionary measure prioritises the safety of students, teachers, and staff amid predictions of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and cloudy spells expected to impact the region throughout the day.
In a statement addressed to parents and community members, the Ministry underscored the importance of safety given the unpredictable nature of the weather conditions. “Students and teachers are asked to remain at home,” Hoyles stated. “We encourage teachers to provide assignments through online platforms where feasible, though some areas may face disruptions due to power outages.”
The closure decision comes as the DDM anticipates potential hazards posed by the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with risks to transportation and infrastructure. To mitigate these impacts, officials are urging residents to monitor updates closely and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
The DDM and Ministry officials will continue to assess the weather conditions throughout the day. Parents and guardians are advised to keep updated through official government communications. For any inquiries, the Ministry can be reached at (284) 468-2151 or via their website at www.bvi.gov.vg.
The winners of the annual Primary and Secondary Schools Anti-Bullying Speech Competition were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on Wednesday, October 16, at Elmore Stoutt High School. The competition, which aims to raise awareness and promote positive actions against bullying, saw impressive speeches from students across the Territory.
In the primary school division, Amiah Chang of Claudia Creque Educational Centre Primary claimed the top prize, with John Claude Vergara from St. George’s Primary School finishing in second place. Marla-Monae Gray of Jost Van Dyke Primary School earned third place.
In the secondary school category, Yasmeen Said of St. George’s Secondary Division won first place. Carey-Ann McKie from Bregado Flax Educational Centre came in second, while Adrianne Thomas from Elmore Stoutt High School placed third.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports congratulated all participants, highlighting their contributions to the Territory’s anti-bullying campaign. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment, and thanked the students for their efforts in spreading awareness about the importance of eliminating bullying in schools.
This initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader goal to reimagine education in the Virgin Islands, creating safe spaces where students can thrive both academically and socially.
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