High school students from across the Virgin Islands were engaged in a one-day “Don’t Be Mean Behind the Screen” symposium on Cyber Bullying.

The event was addressed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley and other ministers of Government who shared on the importance of changing the culture of cyber bullying and cybercrime in the Virgin Islands.

Premier Wheatley said, “I am happy that the room is filled with young people, because only young people can change what has really become a culture in the VI, a culture of negativity. It takes each and every one of us to fight against that culture.”

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer encouraged the students to use the support systems that are in place to fight against cyber bullying.

Honourable Rymer said, “When you are being cyber bullied, report it. If you are nervous about it, speak to a friend, speak to your family, and speak to your parents. You do not want to fall into depression or be afraid to go out because persons may look at you funny based on what was said on social media platforms.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro admonished the students to strengthen their core values as they travel through life.

“Whether it is school or in the workforce, you will find yourself in some environments that may potentially not be the best, some could be what I consider to be poisonous,” the minister said. Honourable de Castro added, “If you take the individual responsibility and strengthen the core values of love, empathy and respect for every person, then it can really make a dent in the reality of cyber bullying potentially happening.”

The symposium featured an anti-bullying workshop with keynote speaker Dr. Stephanie Fredrick and remarks by Guidance Counsellors Mr. Jacob Edwards and Ms. Keri-Ann Malone. There were raffles, a movie, One on One with Brent Hoyte and a performance by Raul “Jougo” Sprauve. Director of Public Prosecution Mrs. Tiffany Scatliffe and Detective Inspector in charge of the Family and Juvenile Unit, Mr. Kendolph Bobb also gave remarks at the event.

Schools represented at the symposium included the Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School, the Virgin Islands Technical School, Cedar International School, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division, and the Claudia Creque Secondary Division.

The symposium can be viewed on the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page at BVIGovernment.

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission continues to accelerate communications development in the BVI to empower consumers and foster a progressive environment.

Photo 1: Photo of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley

Photo 2: Photo of Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer

Photo 3: Photo of students engaging in an ice breaker activity

(Photo credit: GIS/R. Frazer)