He added that the amended legislation will be for the benefit of the people of the territory.  

“The Education Act which was passed in 2004 is a legislative document aimed to guide, manage and direct all aspects of education [in the Virgin Islands]. However, this document must go hand in hand with up-to-date regulations to guide critical areas in this sector; the Education Act 2004 itself is also in need of amendment.” 

In that speech, the Governor added that extensive consultation with key stakeholders already took place on the general education regulations, and these regulations will be reviewed and amended in the coming year.

His Excellency added, “The revised regulations will outline specific areas as provided for in the legislation to ensure that matters can be appropriately dealt with in our school system. They will provide guidance to the education system and all its stakeholders regarding the implementation of programs and services. They will also provide for monitoring of the delivery of education programs operated under the act, and provide services and processes for the conduct of school supervision, as well as the investigation of complaints made by members of the public.” 

Pertaining to the early childhood services provide in the territory, he added that in efforts for its development, the amended act will ensure that clear parameters are set and allowed to guide key stakeholders involved in the growth and development of the most impressionable age group of this generation. 

“The vast majority of our pre-primary learning centres are privately owned, hence there is an increasing need to ensure that we examine carefully the quality of education offered to our youngest students before they enter into formal education.”