Current and former teachers and principals from across the Territory were recently honoured for their hard work and commitment to improving the quality of education in the Virgin Islands.

The educators were recognised for their significant contribution to the education system at the Virgin Islands Stars in Education Award Ceremony on March 28 at Maria’s by the Sea Hotel.

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn in his remarks spoke of the important role teachers play in society.

 “I am certain that every one of us can recall the names of teachers that inspired us to be better than we thought we could ever be. Those are the teachers who continue to motivate us both inside the classroom and long after we have left their charge,” Minister Walwyn said.

“Teachers, I will continue to say that within your classrooms, you have the power to change a child’s destiny and to even change the destiny of a country,” The Minister added.

Minister Walwyn thanked the teachers for their hard work and pledged his Ministry’s continued support to their professional development.

“I will continue to support opportunities for your professional development, opportunities to ensure you are working in a safe environment, opportunities to challenge you to be better than we think is possible, and of course, opportunities for us to engage each other as policy makers and as the education experts that you all are. The plan we are creating to educate our nation is one that we all believe in, and one we all will enthusiastically work towards,” he said.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, applauded the educators for their significant contributions to the overall development of the Territory.

Premier Smith said, “They have nurtured the first seeds of raw talent and helped to refine it into the skilled expertise that is reflected in our Territory’s public and private sector. Yes, we are truly dependent on teachers to help grow our economy as they guide the next generation who will carry on the legacy of the Virgin Islands.”

The event was hosted by long-time educator and cultural icon Mr. Elmore Stoutt.

The Virgin Islands Stars in Education is an annual ceremony organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture to celebrate the various stakeholders in education and acknowledge the important role that education plays in building the society.