Minister Myron Walwyn addressing the students of the graduating class BVI TVI 2012. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

The scholarships will provide interested persons of the 2012 graduating class of the BVI Technical and Vocational Institute (BVI TVI), commonly referred to as TechVoc, with the opportunity to pursue any desired degree at the New England University of Technology.

In congratulatory remarks given by the Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn, yesterday June 27, 2012, the Minister told the students the good news.

“Through the Ministry of Education and Culture, exclusively to the BVI Technical and Vocational Institute graduates of 2012, we are offering 4 scholarships to Virgin Islanders and Belongers to pursue a degree in any technical programme through the New England Institute of Technology.”

Hon. Walwyn said the Territory is in need of more people with technical knowledge, in efforts to provide the necessary labour and services to build it.

He added that in his Ministry, they are willing to work with persons interested in the scholarship, to ensure that they are prepared to capitalise on this chance.

He instructed them to contact Dr. Marcia Potter, who is the Acting Permanent Secretary in his Ministry.

“I am a firm believer in saying it is not how you start, it is how you end.”

The Minister disclosed that after taking office last year, as a result to the 2012 elections, a committee was formed to assist the government in reforming their approach to technical and vocational education in the Territory.

“Though the committee is still meeting and will provide a comprehensive proposal with recommendations for improved technical education in the Territory, they have already began to develop what will be the main leading centre for secondary school vocational training, which will be BVI TVI.”

He added that plans are already in place to start renovations during the summer break at the school facilities in Baughers Bay.

“It is the government’s intent to acquire additional space to improve the facilities as well as investing in additional feature, and learning tools to adequately instruct students, the government will always continue to find solutions to address the financial, social and educational challenges of this country.”

Hon. Walwyn stated that investing in BVI TVI and making it a modern centre for secondary school students, they will be exposed to opportunities that will allow them to be a part of the Territory's advancement.

He announced that in 2013, BVI TVI will be the 4th public secondary school in the Virgin Islands and the only secondary school that will be offering students to specialise in a technical area for the majority of their high school tenure.

“It is my hope that this will afford students added options for career paths.”