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 police must walk with integrity. They cannot uphold the law while simultaneously disregarding it themselves. Everyone must play by the rules,” de Castro asserted, emphasizing the importance of accountability and trust in the justice system.

De Castro voiced concern about the erosion of public trust in law enforcement and its effect on community engagement. “How many in our community trust the system of policing?” she questioned. “How many see themselves becoming a part of that system or pursuing careers in law enforcement, the DPP’s office, or defense? The reality is, not many. That is a problem we must address.”

She advocated for reforms that empower law enforcement while ensuring officers operate within clear ethical boundaries and remain accountable for their actions.

De Castro urged her colleagues to closely scrutinize sections of the bill that might infringe upon fundamental rights. She stressed that public safety legislation must include safeguards to prevent abuse of power.

“We must ensure this legislation does not give individuals immunity to act without accountability. Such provisions would undermine public trust in the very system we are trying to strengthen,” she argued.

Connecting public safety with social development, de Castro highlighted the need for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and youth programs. She emphasized that sustainable reform requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of crime and provides young people with opportunities to thrive.

“Our schools must be environments that reinforce discipline and provide opportunities, not breeding grounds for negative influences,” she said, citing her ministry’s zero-tolerance approach to serious misbehavior as part of a broader effort to guide youth toward positive alternatives.

As the bill advanced to the Committee stage, de Castro expressed confidence in the ability of her fellow legislators to refine it. She urged collaboration to ensure the legislation achieves its objectives without compromising public trust or human rights.

“This bill is a step forward, but it must be one that balances the needs of law enforcement with the rights and trust of the people we serve,” de Castro concluded, reiterating her vision for a safer and more equitable territory.

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