The Government of the Virgin Islands will introduce educational legislation to provide for the sound and sustainable management of education, youth affairs and sports in the Territory.

His Excellency the Governor Daniel Pruce while outlining the Government of the Virgin Island’s Legislative Agenda during the Speech from the Throne stated that legislation will be brought to the House of Assembly this year as it relates to education, youth affairs and sports.

The legislation include the Education Amendment Act (2014) and its accompanying regulations, the Early Childhood Policy, and the Special Education Policy. Current legislation that will be revised and amended to better serve the needs of the Territory are the Graduation Policy, the National Youth Policy, the National Sports Policy.

 Governor Pruce said, “The Government will continue moving Full STEAM Ahead with its mission to reimagine education and build a system that empowers all students - irrespective of their academic, physical, or cognitive abilities. Education must not only adapt to the needs of today, but it must anticipate the demands of tomorrow, to develop an economy that is innovative, competitive, and resilient on the global stage. 

   The Governor announced that the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Act has been amended and assented to, and stated that the next step will be the repeal of the BVI College Fund Act (CAP. 113) which no longer serves the needs of the college.

 Governor Pruce said that amendments to the Recreation Trust Act (CAP. 278) and the Recreation Trust Amendment Act (No. 4 of 2012) will be completed to ensure the Trust adheres to good governance principles while addressing the evolving needs of the community.

   The Governor said, “As the Trust works diligently to develop and maintain recreational facilities across the Territory, these legislative reforms will ensure its operations remain efficient and aligned with the principles of good governance. Alongside these amendments, the Trust will also be tasked with developing or updating policies and procedures to promote efficiency and organisational excellence.”

The Speech from the Throne is delivered at the beginning of each new session of the House of Assembly and is prepared within the Premier’s Office in consultation with ministries. The Speech is then deliberated and approved by the elected Government of the Virgin Islands and is delivered to the Governor. During the First Sitting of the House Of Assembly, the Premier and Minister of Finance, then moves a motion to invite the Governor to read the Speech from the Throne.  The Government’s Legislative Agenda is monitored by the Premier’s Office to ensure that it moves forward with fortitude and determination.