$2M to $3M per year 'invested into scholarships for VI students’- Hon de Castro
"We invest at a minimum of 2 to 3 million dollars a year when it comes to grants and scholarships to Virgin Islanders. We've been intentionally seeking to partner more with UK institutions.’’
25 Students receive government scholarships annually
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) made this announcement during the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026. She stated that the government awards at least 25 scholarships annually to students pursuing studies in specific priority areas.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports in the VI offers scholarships and grants to Virgin Islanders and Belongers for tertiary education and training to support priority sectors.
Assessment conducted
Hon de Castro mentioned that the ministry conducted an assessment of industry gaps and labour market needs to identify priority areas for which Virgin Islanders can apply for funding, both in scholarships and grants.
"We have 10 priority areas that persons can apply for, both funding, scholarships or grants in those areas and the applications are assessed by two separate committees."
Committees put in place
She added that there is a scholarship committee that makes recommendations based on the applications received.
"We have a scholarship committee that makes a recommendation to the minister, who then gets the approval of cabinet, and then, through the grants process, we have a committee. They meet, they assess, make a recommendation to the permanent secretary, and approval is given."
The scholarships offered to Virgin Islanders typically cover tuition and fees for approved applicants, with priority areas including Education, Health, Technical Skills, Law, Hospitality, and Architecture/Engineering. Over the years, the ministry has supported many Virgin Islanders in pursuing studies abroad through various scholarships.
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21 Responses to “$2M to $3M per year 'invested into scholarships for VI students’- Hon de Castro ”
If them do come one to two yrs given then back out the island or gone private why why
Moreover, clearly government can’t employ everyone; it should manage the program, so that graduates returning can meet his/ her obligations. Here is a news flash. We need to can the myth that because you have a degree that you should be in charge. A degree provides the theoretical knowledge. The experience is earned on the job working with “seasoned” professionals. Lots of decisions on the job requires assumptions, with experience driving sensible assumptions. The theoretical knowledge, coupled with the on the job experience, the right attitude, humility, etc?, prepares one for positions of increasing responsibility.
“ Moreover, clearly government can’t employ everyone; it should manage the program, so that graduates returning can meet his/ her obligations. Here is a news flash. We need to can the myth that because you have a degree that you should be in charge. A degree provides the theoretical knowledge. The experience is earned on the job working with “seasoned” professionals. Lots of decisions on the job requires assumptions, with experience driving sensible assumptions. The theoretical knowledge, coupled with the on the job experience, the right attitude, humility, etc?, prepares one for positions of increasing responsibility.“ It is still relevant. Real free talk.
Didn't I hear they've spent $10 million rehabilitating the Admin Complex and thinking about spending $2 million to build a new Festival Village site? Come on. We can do better. We can do a lot better than this. Do better or get the he** put of the way and let somebody else do it.
We need people running our country who care about us, not those who are not doing anything but still insists on rining their own bell and blowing their own horn. Educate your people. There should be over 100 scholarships being advertised for applications in those areas of special need: Doctors, Nurses, Hospital Management, Library Science, Engineers, Lawyers, Economists, IT Technologists, Court Reporters, Psychologists, etc. But we hear nothing. There is money overspent on rent, travel, parties, greedy bills, economic zones instead.