Education
2024 Budget Pledges $53.38 Million Boost to Education
Premier Wheatley Champions S.T.E.A.M. Initiatives for a Sustainable Nation
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports is set to receive a significant portion of the 2024 budget, amounting to 11.34 percent or $53.38 million, as announced by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
During the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley unveiled the comprehensive fiscal package totaling $382.67 million under the theme: “Planning, Priorities, and Progress: Building A Sustainable Nation.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of education in economic development, Premier Wheatley emphasised, “Education is the bedrock of economic development,” acknowledging its transformative potential, particularly in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.). Looking ahead to 2024, Premier Wheatley expressed a focused commitment to expanding S.T.E.A.M. initiatives, with a particular emphasis on developing and implementing a comprehensive S.T.E.A.M.-focused education program for Pre-primary and Primary grades.
Premier Wheatley underscored the importance of the physical environment in shaping the learning experience, stating, “The physical environment in which education takes place plays a crucial role in shaping the learning experience.” He highlighted the priority given to funding and support for implementing a comprehensive school infrastructure maintenance plan, aiming to enhance the quality of education by creating spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence.
In response to the budget address, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to utilising the allocated funds to create new initiatives and programming. In a post-statement, Minister de Castro stated, “The Ministry has committed through the funding allocated to ensure that we create new initiatives and programming to be able to ultimately meet the needs of our future – which are our children.” She eagerly anticipated the positive impact of the 2024 budget on the lives of educators and young people, emphasizing the continued momentum of “Virgin Islands Education Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”
Breaking down the allocated funds to the Ministry, the 2024 budget includes $50.53 million for recurrent expenditure and $2.85 million for development. For further details on the 2023 Budget Address, the public is encouraged to visit the BVIGovernment Facebook page at username: @BVIGovernment or via the link https://www.facebook.com/BVIGovernment/videos/664365719224975.
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.
Education
School Closure on Anegada as Power Outage Disrupts Island
Education
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Search Underway After Vessel Capsizes Off Jost Van Dyke, One Dead, One Missing
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Oil Spill Forces Temporary Road Closure in Fish Bay
-
Local News1 week ago
Thirty-Six Naturalized as British Citizens in Ceremony at Government House
-
Education2 weeks ago
Eighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
-
Elections 20232 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
-
Local News2 weeks ago
British Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
-
Local News1 week ago
Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
-
Education2 days ago
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma