Education
Jost Van Dyke School Commences Operations in New State-of-the-Art Facility”
The Jost Van Dyke School officially commenced its operations in a new state-of-the-art building on Tuesday, January 9. The 24 students and 10 staff members have embraced their new surroundings, with one staff member expressing, “We are very comfortable.”
The Principal received the keys to the Multipurpose Educational Facility in December, marking the fulfillment of a promise made by the Ministry of Education on October 31, 2023 to have the new building ready for the start of the 2024 semester.
This achievement is the outcome of collaborative efforts between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). However, the road to this accomplishment was not without its challenges.
Last November, frustrated parents staged a protest, demanding urgent action from the government to address hazardous conditions students faced in the previous school building. Grievances included issues such as mold infestation, a leaky building, and flooding on the school premises.
In response to the pressing concerns, a week after the protest, students were temporarily moved to the Leonora Delville Primary School for the remainder of the school term. The move provided a necessary interim solution while awaiting the completion of the Multipurpose Educational Facility.
On Thursday, December 21, 2023, the RDA held a pre-handover site visit, underscoring their commitment to resolving the challenges faced by the Jost Van Dyke School community. The visit included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Dr. Marcia Potter, and was led by RDA’s CEO Anthony McMaster, along with members of the RDA team.
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
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