The weeklong observance is intended to highlight the role of technical and vocational education in preparing students with practical skills and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as sustainable energy, cosmetology, marine technology and culinary arts.

In a statement marking the occasion, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, said TVET should be viewed as a primary pathway to success rather than an alternative to traditional academic programs.

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training is not a Plan B,” de Castro said. “It is our Plan A for a resilient, self-sufficient Virgin Islands.”

She said the territory is strengthening partnerships between schools and employers to better align classroom instruction with labor market needs.

“When we say ‘Together We Learn,’ we are talking about a new era of partnership,” de Castro said. “We are bridging the gap between the classroom and the job site.”

The minister said investment in TVET is also intended to expand economic opportunities by equipping students to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.

“By investing in TVET, we are creating a workforce that doesn’t just look for jobs, but creates them,” she said.

De Castro encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities offered through technical and vocational programs.

“You are the architects of our future,” she said. “Your hands and your minds will build the infrastructure and industries of tomorrow.”

TVET Week 2026 includes activities aimed at promoting technical and vocational education as a key component of the territory’s long-term development strategy

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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.

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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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Cedar International School was awarded Top Secondary School, while Enis Adams Primary School secured Top Primary School honors. Among special prize recipients, Sofia Rampersaud of Elmore Stoutt High School and Ava Ghiorse of Cedar International School were recognized as Best Speakers. Matthew Davies of Elmore Stoutt High School received both the Most Innovative Project award and the Judges’ Choice award. Nathan Daniel and Tzaddi Noel of Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School earned the Rising Star Award and Best Display. Zuri Samuel of Cedar International School won the Community Impact award, while the People’s Choice award went to a Mini-Hydroponic Garden project from Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School.

In the primary division, first-place winners included Kay-Den Percell of Enis Adams Primary School for Lower Primary Experiment, Dottie Whitting-Knight of Cedar International School for Upper Primary Experiment, Matthew Davis of Elmore Stoutt High School for Lower Primary Model, and Daundre Rhodes of Bregado Flax Educational Centre for Upper Primary Model.

In the secondary division, Alexandre Wilson of Cedar International School won Lower Secondary Experiment, while Ro’Elle Baird of Elmore Stoutt High School placed first in Upper Secondary Experiment. Kayden George and Tyler Phipps of Elmore Stoutt High School won Lower Secondary Model, and Malachi Thomas of the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School secured Upper Secondary Model. T’Koya Frett of Elmore Stoutt High School and Joslyn Walter of Bregado Flax Educational Centre won Lower and Upper Secondary Art, respectively.

The National Science and Innovation Fair, held as part of Education Month 2026, featured participation from 19 primary and eight secondary schools across public and private institutions. Students presented models, experiments and artistic interpretations, which were evaluated by a panel of educators, engineers, environmental specialists and other professionals.

Projects were judged on relevance to the theme, scientific application, originality and students’ ability to explain their research and findings.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro said the event plays a key role in student development.

“The National Science and Innovation Fair showcases what happens when curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking come together in our classrooms,” she said. “Events like this allow our students to explore real-world challenges, apply what they have learned, and develop the confidence to present their ideas and innovations.”

Education Officer for Science and Physical Education Mrs. Renee Weston-Caines said the fair supports both learning and career exploration.

“The fair promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while encouraging students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics,” she said.

Public voting for the People’s Choice Award took place during the exhibition period, which was open to visitors on March 19 and March 20 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

Organizers said this year’s event placed increased emphasis on innovation and local problem-solving, with all models required to be fully functional.

The fair was supported by sponsors including the Guana Fund, Seven Seas, Oil Nut Bay, Unite BVI and Harneys.

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The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is set to shine a light on the Territory’s energy future with the launch of “BVIEC Presents: Watts Going On!”, a week of educational activities taking place from November 10–14, under the theme “Connecting Education, Energy & Opportunity.”

The initiative aims to strengthen links between the energy sector, local schools, and the wider community through a series of interactive tours and learning experiences at BVIEC’s facilities. The week-long programme will give students and professionals a firsthand look at how electricity is generated and distributed across the Virgin Islands, while promoting interest in careers within the growing energy industry.

Guided tours will be held at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond and the Anegada Power Station, offering participants an inside view of BVIEC’s day-to-day operations and technological processes that keep the Territory powered.

Targeting senior high school and secondary school students, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in the field of energy. Participating institutions include the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Secondary School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar International School, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, Agape (Secondary Division), Imagination Academy (Secondary Division), and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

A special tour will also be hosted for students of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre at the Anegada Power Station.

The initiative will culminate on Friday, November 14, with a special session for members of the business community. The guided tour at the Henry Wilfred Smith Power Station will offer participants insights into BVIEC’s operations, sustainability efforts, and commitment to service excellence across the Territory.

BVIEC’s Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager, Kamal Haynes, said the “Watts Going On!” initiative represents more than just an open house—it’s an investment in the future of energy in the Virgin Islands.

“This year’s Watts Going On! initiative represents more than just a tour—it’s about sparking curiosity, building understanding, and creating pathways for the next generation to explore careers in energy,” said Haynes. “By inviting students, educators, and the business community to see what we do up close, we’re highlighting the importance of the energy sector and its impact on everyday life.”

Haynes added that the programme underscores BVIEC’s commitment to youth engagement and innovation.

“The energy industry continues to evolve, and with it comes exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. By engaging our students early and encouraging technical curiosity, BVIEC is helping to inspire the future of energy in the Virgin Islands,” he said.

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Aymer received a $250 prize from Mr. Vernol Richards, Veterinary Assistant at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, during a brief presentation ceremony attended by Mr. Orville Clarke, Agriculture Management Officer.

Mr. Richards commended Aymer for her creativity and consistency in the competition.

“Congratulations, Niaeika, for the remarkable job,” Richards said. “I encourage more youth to be involved in agriculture and fisheries. Niaeika submitted five entries, and I was happy to be the one to have chosen her winning entry, which was ‘Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nurturing Lives and Legacies.’”

Officials said the annual competition encourages students to engage with the themes of agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability while promoting youth involvement in the Territory’s primary industries.

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Hon. Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Social Development, on October 25, paid tribute to three legends at the Ministry of Education’s Musical Showcase aboard the Logos Hope Book Ship — a special fundraiser for the Elmore Stoutt High School and Bregado Flax Education Centre Music Departments.

Dr. Charles Wheatley — the visionary pioneer of music education in the Virgin Islands.

Mr. Arthur Sellwood and Mr. Clennel Vanterpool — honoured for carrying on Dr. Wheatley’s legacy and inspiring generations through music.

Their dedication opened doors for young Virgin Islanders to explore the Arts, become educators, perform around the world, and even make hits for artists abroad.

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Sachin Singh of Enis Adams Primary School earned second place for his essay on Ms. Fahie. Two consolation prizes were also awarded — one to Mr. Ryan of Valley Day Primary School, recognised as the teacher with the most entries submitted by students Nathanael Hillhouse, Marcky Nares, and Madisonraine Doyle; and another to Coach Mr. Riley of Cedar International, who received the most nominations to date, including this year’s by student Shawri Pemberton.

Tajari Quammie and Alex Varlack received honourable mentions for their creative submissions. Tajari’s essay highlighted Mrs. Nibbs of Joyce Samuel Primary School, while Alex’s poem paid tribute to Miss Glasgow of the Claudia Creque Educational Centre.

The Rotary Club of Road Town said the annual competition aims to promote appreciation for teachers who inspire and positively influence their students, while fostering literacy and expression among young writers in the Territory.

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