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HLSCC received over $1M budget increase

-increased funding to facilitate sweeping enhancements
September 19th, 2025 | Tags: Virgin Islands HLSCC budget increase education convocation
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B de Castro (AL), announced an over one million dollars increase in funding for the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in August 2025. Photo: HLSCC
HLSCC is this year celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme ‘Dream of a Visionary’ and 10 years of accreditation. Photo: HLSCC
HLSCC is this year celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme ‘Dream of a Visionary’ and 10 years of accreditation. Photo: HLSCC
President of the HLSCC, Dr Richard W. E. Georges, in acknowledging the increased investment, said it is not just about infrastructure and funds. Photo: HLSCC
President of the HLSCC, Dr Richard W. E. Georges, in acknowledging the increased investment, said it is not just about infrastructure and funds. Photo: HLSCC
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Funding for the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has increased by over one million dollars following a supplementary appropriation.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), announced this during the HLSCC Fall Convocation on August 28, 2025, which she said will usher in new infrastructure, scholarships, and technology that mark a defining moment in the College’s evolution.

The supplementary appropriation of $1,315,000 increased the college’s base budget for 2025 from $9,618,300 to $10,933,300. Last year’s total was $9,918,400.

“Every great dream requires clarity of sight, and every clear vision requires investment, courage, and commitment,” Hon de Castro said. 

Sweeping enhancement to HLSCC

HLSCC is this year celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme ‘Dream of a Visionary’ and 10 years of accreditation. Part of the funding will go towards the design of dormitories and a new Student Information System.

“This financial boost reflects more than numbers…It is an investment in you, our students,” the minister noted. 

Other new opportunities include technical scholarships spanning every district, among which are dedicated slots for the Marine Professional Training Programme (MPT) and for the NCCER certification programme in construction.

Enhancements are already underway, including the launch of the Robotics Club, the restructuring of the IT curriculum, the redesigning of classroom spaces and the hiring of staff in key areas such as computer science and education.

Also, the average starting salary band for newly hired faculty rose by 35% as of January 2025. 

More than just increased funding- Dr Georges 

Meantime, President of the HLSCC, Dr Richard W. E. Georges, in acknowledging the increased investment, said it is not just about infrastructure and funds. 

“It’s about lifting HLSCC’s capacity to live up to its highest potential. With dormitories, scholarships, upgraded systems, and stronger faculty- this is how we sharpen our vision and expand our reach.”

7 Responses to “HLSCC received over $1M budget increase ”

  • BuzzBvi (19/09/2025, 11:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Must have been out with the begging bowl.

    Or did Natalio give back his months salary.
  • Cindy (19/09/2025, 15:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    only this minister can get money spent the one in communications is filled with excuses and great pr
  • Reality check (20/09/2025, 06:53) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    You must give it to her hands down she is the hardest working minister in government
  • home girl (20/09/2025, 07:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please remember that the marine technology students need a boat for hands-on training. What is a marine course without a boat?
  • BREAKING NEWS (20/09/2025, 08:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I used the wrong nick name but I did it to get everyones attention. Please please please, who ever is incharge in government (PWD) or at the college (maintenance), please put some asphalt on the (eatout) road going in and coming out of the college yard. I want to thank the government for fixing that stretch of road going to the college and also fixing the little ramp to go in HLSCC yard which use to be disgusting. We just need some asphalt to fix the digusting dig out sections on the stretch going in and coming out. And please don't wait until its coming close to election to fix it. Thanks in advance to who can make this happen.
  • Quietly Watching (21/09/2025, 15:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am aware of some young men who are signed up and tudying the NCCER Certification in Construction, hope they are hired after completion. It will probably be more than others who are hired and learns everything on the job as they go along. Local young men, please sign up for this programme if you are looking for work and learn a trade. We want to see you excel and make a decent life for yourselves. Want more for your life and set out to do more to achieve it. As Guy Hill says, be brave, sign up for this construction or the marine programmes at HLSCC.
  • Shammy Lettsome (22/09/2025, 18:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s crazy that the college get this money but still don’t want to pay to up the staff salary. Guess Richard on the salve ship movements…… crazy work!!


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