Local News
ESHS Enforces Strict Security Measures Amid Safety Concerns
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
– Unconfirmed Reports of Prohibited Items Confiscated
In response to mounting concerns over student safety, Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) conducted a surprise security sweep on campus this morning, February 5, leading to unconfirmed reports of prohibited items being confiscated. The search, which lasted well over an hour, was part of a broader initiative endorsed by the Ministry of Education to curb the presence of drugs, alcohol, weapons, and drug-infused foods within the school.
“The Ministry of Education fully supports the efforts of Elmore Stoutt High School to conduct random searches as part of a broader strategy to address the serious concerns of drugs, drug-infused foods, alcohol, and weapons on campus,” a Ministry spokesperson stated. “These measures align with our zero-tolerance policy and reinforce our unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.”
The operation, which reportedly involved armed police officers assisting school officials, drew mixed reactions from parents. While many applauded the school’s firm stance on security, others expressed frustration over the extended process and attempted to take their children home. Additionally, unconfirmed reports suggest that some students attempted to breach security protocols to enter the premises during the search.
“It’s a necessary step,” said one concerned parent who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been hearing about these issues for a while now, and I’m glad the school is finally doing something serious about it. But communication with parents could have been better.”
The security sweep comes amid broader challenges faced by the school administration, including low parental engagement. With a student population of just over 1400, fewer than a third of parents actively participate in PTA meetings. The school has also struggled to get parents of at-risk students to engage with teachers despite employing various outreach strategies.
A recent round of one-on-one PTA meetings saw dismal attendance, prompting the administration to issue a follow-up letter urging parents to take advantage of additional opportunities to meet with teachers. The letter, posted on January 28 via the school’s official RAMS Facebook page, emphasised the importance of parental involvement in student success.
In the letter, school officials noted their concern about the low turnout, stating, “Too often, we see parents waiting until the end of the school year when their child is in jeopardy of failure.” They also warned parents that failure to attend the rescheduled meetings would result in their children being unable to return to classes. “Instead, they will be placed in a supervised room where their assignments will be provided, and they will remain there until a parent meets with their teachers,” the letter read.
The school administration also reiterated that parents who cannot attend the scheduled meetings may contact teachers directly to arrange alternative meetings or request phone conferences. “We kindly ask that you make every effort to attend or to contact your child’s teachers,” the letter urged.
Despite the challenges, school officials remain steadfast in their approach. “Tackling these issues will require some unorthodox and potentially inconvenient measures, but the safety of our students and teachers is paramount,” the Ministry’s statement read. “We appreciate the cooperation of parents and the wider community as we take the necessary steps to ensure that our students and staff are in the safe environment they deserve.”
Reports indicate that similar security concerns have been raised at Bregado Flax Educational Centre on Virgin Gorda, suggesting a wider issue affecting multiple institutions in the territory.
A woman is in critical condition following a serious motorcycle accident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, April 17, in Fish Bay.
According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. The woman, who was a pillion passenger on the motorcycle, was reportedly going in and out of consciousness at the scene. The male rider did not appear to be injured.
The injured woman was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Her condition has been listed as serious.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when traveling along the winding stretch of road in Fish Bay, particularly during wet or slick conditions.
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The Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Daniel Pruce, has announced the start of two major developments in the territory’s law enforcement framework: the formal initiation of a vetting process for all officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the reopening of the recruitment campaign for a new Commissioner of Police.
In a statement released today, April 17, Governor Pruce confirmed that legal amendments have been made to the relevant regulations and the agreement with the UK Home Office has been signed, enabling the start of police officer vetting across the force.
The process follows a recommendation made in 2022 by the Commission of Inquiry, which called for all RVIPF officers to undergo background vetting. According to the Governor, while the Police Service Commission (PoSC) has not yet reached the point of engaging with the Home Office vetting team, preparations are ongoing and collaboration with the PoSC will continue.
The vetting process will now move forward under the updated regulations, with a stated goal of vetting all serving officers by the autumn. Once completed, this will mark the first time the RVIPF is fully vetted.
The Governor clarified that police vetting is standard in the UK and other jurisdictions, intended to support professional conduct and enhance interagency cooperation. The initiative is also part of fulfilling a key recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry.
Governor Pruce also confirmed that the recruitment process for the next Commissioner of Police has resumed. The previous campaign was suspended in late 2024, pending the release of the second volume of the HMICFRS Law Enforcement Review. That document provided updated guidance on the qualifications and leadership capabilities required for the post.
A new person specification has been developed, and applications are now being accepted. According to the Governor, the role will require extensive policing experience and the capacity to lead the RVIPF through a period of change and development.
The recruitment process is being led by the Police Service Commission in coordination with the Deputy Governor and the central human resources team. The target is to have a new Commissioner appointed and in post by the autumn.
Governor Pruce noted the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, government partners, and the community. He also acknowledged the continued work of current RVIPF officers during the ongoing reform processes.
Both initiatives—police vetting and the Commissioner recruitment—are intended to strengthen the operational framework of the RVIPF in accordance with local regulations and external review recommendations.
The British Virgin Islands is participating in the Subzonal 2.3.3 Absolute and Women’s Chess Championships, taking place from April 11 to 18 at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Center in St. Ann’s, Trinidad and Tobago.
The tournament, sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), brings together players from across the Caribbean and parts of Central America, including representatives from Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and others.
Representing the BVI in the Absolute Section are Simon Potter and Jordan Hinds. In the Women’s Section, Alexis Ganigan and Tiandra Scatliffe are competing. The event is organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association in conjunction with the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA).
The Subzonal tournament serves as a qualifier for future zonal and continental events under the FIDE calendar. According to the TTCA, this year’s competition includes nine rounds under classical time control and follows international pairing standards.
Updates and full standings are available via the official tournament website at chesstt.org.
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