Education
Dr. Quincy Lettsome, Ph.D, revered retired educator has passed away
Dr. Quincy Lettsome, a dedicated educator and influential figure in the British Virgin Islands, passed away today, February 13 at the age of 82 years.
He started his career as a primary school teacher and worked his way up to become a high school principal and later a curriculum development officer at the Ministry of Education.
Born in 1942 in Long Swamp, East End, Dr. Lettsome grew up in a time when agriculture was the main occupation in the BVI. He hailed from a family of six siblings and was raised with a strong sense of moral training. Education played a significant role in his upbringing, and he attended the East End Methodist School, which had a long history dating back to 1789.
In 1956, Dr. Lettsome became one of the pioneer commuting students of the Virgin Islands Secondary School. He commuted daily from East End to town, thanks to the assistance of the late Honourable Leslie Malone, who provided transportation. Dr. Lettsome excelled academically and was an athletic champion during his time at school.
After graduating in 1960, Dr. Lettsome embarked on a teaching career, starting at the Post-Primary Department of the Road Town Primary School in 1961. He later pursued further education at the Leeward Islands Teachers Training College in Antigua, graduating in 1965. Dr. Lettsome then served as the principal of Cane Garden Bay Methodist School for two years, where he faced challenges but found great fulfillment in directing the lives of young children and teachers.
In 1968, Dr. Lettsome was transferred to the Road Town Primary School, the largest primary school in the BVI at that time. He became an influential figure in education, serving as the president of the BVI Teachers Association and advocating for better pay for teachers. Dr. Lettsome’s dedication and efforts led to an increase in teacher salaries, benefiting not only educators but all civil servants.
Dr. Lettsome’s passion for education and his expertise in curriculum development led him to join the Education Department in 1986 as a curriculum officer. He held a master’s degree in curriculum development and completed his Ph.D. in the same field in 1991. Dr. Lettsome continued to contribute to education until his retirement in 2003, accumulating an impressive 43 years of service.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lettsome impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education in the British Virgin Islands. His commitment to providing quality education and his dedication to the betterment of teachers’ lives will always be remembered.
Dr. Quincy Lettsome will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the BVI community. His contributions to education will continue to inspire future generations. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the remarkable life and achievements of this remarkable educator.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed agreements to begin the design phase for student dormitories at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a project aimed at expanding access to higher education for students across the territory.
The Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Contribution, signed on Tuesday, April 14, between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Recovery and Development Agency, mark the start of work toward developing on-campus housing at the Paraquita Bay campus.
Officials said the dormitories are expected to address longstanding challenges faced by students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, who often encounter higher costs and logistical difficulties due to travel and accommodation limitations.
“For many years, students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda have faced additional hurdles simply because of geography,” Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said. “With the construction of these dormitories, we will remove one of the most persistent barriers to higher education for our own people.”
The project is intended to make it easier for students throughout the Virgin Islands to pursue tertiary and post-secondary education locally, reducing the need to relocate or manage extended commutes.
Officials said the development has long been part of the college’s master plan and represents a step toward strengthening the territory’s education system.
The dormitories are also expected to accommodate students from outside the territory, supporting broader efforts to expand educational opportunities and diversify the economy.
The Recovery and Development Agency is overseeing the project, with the design phase to be followed by construction.
Zac Richards and Zendée Menal of Cedar International School and Daundre Rhodes of Bregado Flax Educational Centre were recognized by Seven Seas Water Group with the Prize for Water Science at the 2026 National Science Fair closing ceremony on March 20.
The award, presented in observance of World Water Day, highlights student research addressing water-related challenges under the theme “Innovate with Purpose, Create with Care, Solve for Tomorrow.”
Richards and Menal won the secondary division for their project, “Comparative Analysis of Water Quality in the BVI,” which examined physical and chemical parameters at three coastal locations. The study provides baseline data that can inform efforts to develop a national marine water quality framework, with implications for public health and marine ecosystems.
Rhodes received the primary division award for “Bubble Tubing: A Natural Solution to Sargassum in the Virgin Islands.” The project proposed a method to repel sargassum from desalination intake areas, aiming to reduce the effects of decomposition on water taste and odor.
On March 27, Richards and Menal visited the Paraquita Bay Water Plant, where they received their awards and toured desalination operations. Kevon Smith, the plant manager and a former National Science Fair winner, guided the students through processes including cartridge filtration, membrane technology and reverse osmosis.
Noni M. Georges, community relations advisor at Seven Seas Water BVI, said the students’ work demonstrated both scientific rigor and engagement with local challenges. “Seven Seas Water BVI is honored to celebrate and support their achievements,” she said.
Smith said the projects reflected ideas relevant to the territory’s water management. “These are not just projects — they are the kinds of ideas that can shape how we manage and protect our water resources,” he said.
Seven Seas Water Group also acknowledged the Ministry of Education, Science Fair Coordinator Renee Caines, participating students, teachers, schools and parents for organizing the event.
Roman Nibbs Alberto, 17, a 12th grade student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been selected as Premier for a Week, the Office of the Premier announced.
Mr. Nibbs Alberto will be sworn in by Governor Daniel Pruce on April 7 and will serve in the role for one week, during which he is expected to carry out official duties and work alongside Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
In remarks following his selection, Mr. Nibbs Alberto said, “I’m thankful that I won the election. I want to thank the organisers of this free and fair election. I want to thank my worthy competitors and I want to thank everybody that voted and campaigned for me.”
The Office of the Premier said the program provides participants with the opportunity to engage in leadership and governance activities.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said he looks forward to working with the incoming Premier and intends to extend his congratulations.
The Office of the Premier also acknowledged the other participants in the program, including Niaeika Aymer, Trishelle Phillips, Rudell Stoute and Zhane Walters.
Final results showed Mr. Nibbs Alberto receiving 905 points, followed by Ms. Aymer with 804 points, Ms. Phillips with 605 points, Mr. Stoute with 551 points and Ms. Walters with 611 points.
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