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Hon. Walwyn: Tourism & FS to be taught in September

Tourism is one of the pillars of the Virgin Islands economy and will be taught in secondary schools along with the VI's second economic pillar, the Financial Services. Photo: BVITB
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – For the upcoming school term, tourism and financial services will be incorporated into the high schools’ curriculum, announced Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron Walwyn on July 5, 2012 at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division graduation.

“I want our young people to know the ins and outs of these industries long before they even apply for their first job in these fields. Developing an early appreciation for these sectors will allow a new generation of Virgin Islanders to see their value and their opportunities....That is why in September, for the first time in secondary schools, we will be teaching tourism and financial services courses,” the Minister told graduates, teachers and parents at the Catholic Community Centre.

According to the education minister, his Ministry realises that it has an integral role in assuring the success of the next generation of industry leaders.

Hon. Walwyn also disclosed that the graduating class of 2014 will be the first cohort of secondary schools students in which all students will be required to sit the Caribbean Examination Council exams.

“Based on our meetings in May, we have identified that all relevant stakeholders, teachers, parents, students and even your District Representative and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, agrees that it is the right decision to make to substantiate the learning of our students and guarantee their global competiveness,” he revealed.

14 Responses to “Hon. Walwyn: Tourism & FS to be taught in September”

  • voice-long bush (08/07/2012, 10:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    blah blah blah
    • q-tips (08/07/2012, 23:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ok but we do not want all our young people to start out like Myron flapping burgers or waiting tables...so let us have a choice if we want these subjects in our schools
  • fish (08/07/2012, 14:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good idea let's see if it happens
  • DISAGREE (08/07/2012, 15:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the purpose/benefit of making the CXC mandatory?
    • Graduate of ESHS (09/07/2012, 09:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      '"What is the purpose/benefit of making the CXC mandatory?" uhm... The real question is what is the purpose of getting a High School Certicate? I wish CXC was mandatory for us. It is more qualified than a 'High School Certificate' and it has more recognition besides CXC can get you in any college internationally. Other than that we have to start out at HLSCC because 'A HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE' is NOTHING in the real world.
  • LOL (08/07/2012, 21:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well ayo do me a favor and ask who got the contracts to write the books for tourism and financial services and then you would realise that the cronies are at it again with our monies.
    • yea (09/07/2012, 00:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Incorporating these two subjects will not ensure the next generation of industry leaders. Our children are weak in maths, science and english. What we need to do is work on these core subjects first. To strengthen our children in these core subjects is to strengthen the labour pool for Tourism and Financial Services. I believe one of the reason our children do not get into these fields have a lot to do with how these areas are marketed to them and the career guidance that is given to them at the secondary level and tertiary level. For example, We have a lot of children interested in Law, encourage them to go into Trust Law or Corporate Law. How these
  • time (08/07/2012, 21:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    At face value this sounds good but the amount of corruption is in this is enough to spin your head. Two NDP cronies got hefty contracts to write these books and someone needs to question this.
  • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (08/07/2012, 21:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Orlando this boy Myron is going to shame your government. Imagine that to give money to two friends the children are being used. Good move but with bad intentions.
  • ophra (08/07/2012, 23:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what the hell would they be taught Myron that the BVI government do not protect the environment and still have raw sewerage and yachts waste tanks flushing out in our waters???bouy wheel and come again
  • jok (09/07/2012, 09:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a FANTASTIC IDEA MYRON!!! Kudos to you for revamping our secondary schools. I wish I had that in the 90's when I was still in High School. Good Job Myron.
  • ... (09/07/2012, 19:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope the objectives and the outcomes of these areas are well thought out so that the students can apply what they learnt to the workplace upon completion.
  • police officer-west end (09/07/2012, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    More of the same talk shop
  • E. Leonard (10/07/2012, 23:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tourism and financial services are the twin towers of the BVI economy. Yet Virgin Islanders are not being effectively train and educated on the means and methods to capitalize on all employment opportunities in these industries. Tourism and financial zervices are government's primary revenue streams; they provide the lion share of employment income. They are the cornerstone for the high quality of life and high standard of living that the BVI enjoys. But we have not achieve a critical mass of Virgin Islanders control, employment, and participation in these core industries. Thus, introduction of the elements of these industries, coupled with the employment opportunities and skills, knowledge, and ability needed to take advantage of these opportunities, in secondary/high scbool is a critical, strategic and value-added move. Nonetheless, to square the circle will require strengthening and a heavy immersion in STEM(science,technology,engineering, math), coupled with communication skills. Immersion in STEM is a commonality among BRIC (Brazil, India, Russia, China) ountries. These countries are the tip of spear relative to growth and development. If we want to have a comparative advantage in these and other areas, we have toprepare Virgin Islanders with the requisite skill sets. And these skill sets must start at primary and secondary school levels.


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