Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), has debunked rumours that education in the Virgin Islands is not primarily funded by the public sector. Photo: YouTube/HoA

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has been allocated $77 million in the 2026 national budget of the Virgin Islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

In her contribution to the 2026 Budget Debate during the Continuation of the Twelfth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on December 18, 2025, Hon de Castro sought to address this narrative. 

“Let me be very clear, the Government of the Virgin Islands remains the single largest investor in education, youth and sports development in the Virgin Islands."

The Education Minister added that every teacher hired, every classroom repaired, every youth programme sustained, every sports initiative delivered, is first and foremost funded by public investment. 

She, however, was quick to add that private sector partnership is welcomed and revealed that there has been an increase in it. 

“Partnership works best when government leads, and Madam Speaker, this government has led.”

45% increase in budget allocation from 2011

Hon de Castro said pre-hurricanes Irma and Maria, the annual education budget was about $50.5 million

“In 2023, the first budget I advocated for as Minister for Education, we agreed as a government on three clear priorities: infrastructure, resources, and professional development,” she said. 

In 2024, she said the education budget was approximately $57 million, $67.4 million in 2025, and $77 million is being allocated for education in 2026. 

“That is a $20 million increase in just two budget cycles, representing 45% growth…Madam Speaker, that is not a spike; it is a shift.”