The Government of the Virgin Islands is continuing with efforts at taking a futuristic approach to the development of the Territory’s education sector.

 Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said that in order to maximise the potential of the Virgins Islands people, education must be afforded to them, from the cradle right on through adulthood, and even at that stage the Government cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

Premier Smith in his 2016 Budget Address commended Minister for Education, Honourable Mryron V. Walwyn for a job well done in ensuring that the education system of the Virgin Islands is of the highest standard possible.

The Premier stated, “The business of excellence, in which we are engaged, is the work of a life time and the work of generations.  We will, therefore, stop at nothing to ensure that our educational system is par excellence, and provides for the needs of the BVI economy today and into the future”.

Premier Smith also outlined initiatives implemented by Government including the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament that exposes future leaders to good governance and democracy; and the Emerging Fellow Award programme. This programme he said is a grant administered by the Ministry of Education and Culture on an annual basis to young people ages 10 to 20 years old that show exceptional promise in sports, the arts and/or academics.  

Additionally, the BVI business community has partnered with the Government to offer students of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VIST) internships in order to develop strong training experiences.

Premier Smith added that there are approximately two hundred and eighty-eight (288) students on scholarships in various universities and institutions of higher learning around the world, and that Government continues to forge important links through the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to ensure high quality education and training opportunities for the people of the Virgin Islands.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to provide a quality education system that enables learners of all ages to reach their true potential, by ensuring that all students are prepared for the academic challenges of this sector.

Click here to access the 2016 Budget Address by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE.