News
Beloved educator, mother, grandmother Mrs Ruby A. Smith-Newberry has died
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Mrs Ruby A. Smith-Newberry transitioned peacefully from this life on Saturday, January 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after battling vascular dementia for 5 years. She was 85 years of age, having been born on February 24, 1938, in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles.
Local education icon Dr Lydia Hodge-Pickering passes
FORT HILL, Tortola, VI- Word reaching our newsroom is that another education pioneer and icon has died. Dr Lydia Hodge-Pickering transitioned at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida, USA on Friday, November 24, 2023, following what is believed to be injuries sustained after an auto accident.
VI’s educational legend & patriot Jennie N. Wheatley MBE passes
EAST END, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands’ community has been placed in mourning over the passing of local educator, historian, mother, author, wife, and patriot Mrs Jennie Naomi Wheatley MBE. She passed away at her home last evening Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the age of 84, having been born on June 24, 1939.
Local Educator & Businessman J. Alfred Christopher dies @ age 94
McNAMARA, Tortola, VI – Long-time educator and local businessman James Alfred Christopher died this morning Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town, the Virgin Islands' capital city.
This Week We Feature Young Professional Sharia B. de Castro
Reuben J.A. Stoby
Our Young Professional this week is not only the twin sister of Education Minister Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) but she is also just as passionate about the advancement of education and politics in the Virgin Islands.
Gov’t will do what’s necessary to make teaching attractive again– Hon deCastro
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. deCastro (AL) says, in recognising that the teaching profession is no longer an attractive career, the government will do what is necessary to make it attractive again.
42 failing Grade 12 were able to graduate via summer school– Hon deCastro
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Some 25% of Grade 12 students in the VI would have failed to graduate at the end of the 2022 school year were allowed to make up with summer classes and this resulted in the majority of those students reaching graduation requirement.
'There's this feeling that going to school is not fun'- Hon de Castro
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Recognising that schools may have become 'boring; for today's smartphone and app-conscious youth, Minister for Education and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) says the Virgin Islands (VI) education system will now be pushing STEAM learning, a tools based umbrella term for more focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the school curriculum.
Heated exchange between ESHS student & teacher caught on video
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A series of videos that have been circulating on social media appear to show a male teacher and a male student of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) armed with pieces of wood and engaging in a verbal altercation filled with expletives in the presence of other students.
Hon de Castro vows to stand with teachers & demand change
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Junior Minister for Tourism and At-Large Representative, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) says she stands with the collective cries of educators across the VI, following recent strike action by some teachers of the Elmore Stoutt High School and other schools over working conditions.