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HLSCC signs MOU with UCL's Institute of Education

-landmark MOU will advance higher education in VI
October 3rd, 2026 | Tags: HLSCC MOU UCL IOE education
The agreement creates a platform for both institutions to explore future programmes that respond to local workforce demands while bringing international expertise into conversation with Virgin Islands priorities. Photo: Facebook
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University College London's Institute of Education (UCL IOE), one of the world's leading institutions for education and higher learning. Photo: Internet Source
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University College London's Institute of Education (UCL IOE), one of the world's leading institutions for education and higher learning. Photo: Internet Source
The agreement was signed by Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London. Photo: Facebook
The agreement was signed by Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London. Photo: Facebook
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London during the signing ceremony. Photo: Facebook
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London during the signing ceremony. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI —The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University College London's Institute of Education (UCL IOE), one of the world's leading institutions for education and higher learning.

The agreement, signed in September 2026 in London, establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the Caribbean community college and the UK-based faculty, which is ranked number one globally for education and eighth overall for higher learning.

It was signed by Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL).

According to a statement on Facebook, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports said the MOU creates opportunities across several key areas, including student transfers and postgraduate study, educator development, research and knowledge exchange, research student placements, and capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen tertiary education infrastructure in the Virgin Islands.  

Agreement to benefit both platforms

The agreement creates a platform for both institutions to explore future programmes that respond to local workforce demands while bringing international expertise into conversation with Virgin Islands priorities. 

HLSCC leadership has stated that the partnership is designed to ensure that education and training programmes align with the evolving economic and social needs of the territory. 

"This is about more than a signature," HLSCC officials stated. "It is about building meaningful global partnerships that strengthen our institution, create new opportunities for our educators and students, and bring international expertise into conversation with the needs and ambitions of the Virgin Islands."

5 Responses to “HLSCC signs MOU with UCL's Institute of Education”

  • pat (03/10/2026, 17:56) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Education under a vip government is good to great
  • Citizen (03/10/2026, 22:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Awesome looking out for our people. Congrats and I commend you Hon. Minister Sharie De Castro.
  • Wellsah (04/10/2026, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    as part of our reparation package need to allow all Virgin Islanders to be accepted automatically with no tuition
    • @ wellsah (05/10/2026, 00:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well aren't you entitled! Not even UK students get automatic acceptance and free tuition. Everyone must earn their place. On the tuition point, persons who have been naturalised and hold UK passports can pay home student fees, same as born UK citizens and this rate is much lower than foreign student rates.
  • Tafari Zharr (04/10/2026, 19:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    MUSIC LEGEND GONE
    Sparrow Tribute
    
Written by Tafari Zharr


    Bell on De Gate –

    Sorry, old man, that wouldn't do for me,
I don’t carry messages for anybody.
If you want to see her, don’t worry—send me,
Climb up the step; you won’t fall.
    You have a bell on the gate, ring it and wait,
She must come after you call to the ball.

    Lizard In de glass
    Where de Lizard?
    Teacher Mildred

    O Lord, O Lord, Sparrow—gone.
Sparrow is a wanted man,
Not dead but alive.
    O Lord, Sparrow dead.
    Tip a bottle on its head,
Farewell, Calypso King.
    We gone water the garden,
You the champion—without a doubt,
You never lose a bout.


    She’s ugly, yes,
But she’s wearing that expensive dress—
Sweet Rosemarie, drunk and disorderly,
Always in custody.

    So bring wine, bring beer, bring gin,
Bring champagne, ink—anything,
For Carnival this year.
    I have Miss Mary here,
I ain’t going home at all,
At all, at all, at all.

    The music so sweet—ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah—
    “I ain’t ready yet (ah ha) I no begin to fetes (ah ha)
I’m having a good time (ah ha) Don’t break up thelime (ah ha)
Go ‘way, go ‘way, I intend to stay,
Preach Paul, I ain’t going home — at all, at all, at all,at all.”

    You’re making wedding plans, taking me to an obeah-man—
All you do, I still ain’t marrying you.

    Credits
    * Opening verses adapted from the familiar calypso standard performed by the legendary mighty Sparrow.
    * This piece is a medley homage to the “Man ofthe People” and the unforgettable lyrics-shared with friends and family.
    * The author does not claim ownership of any-pre‑existing song lyrics incorporated or referenced.


    All original material beyond the opening calypso reference is the creative work of Tafari Zharr “Bell On De Gates” Copyright (c) 2026.Tafari Zharr. all rights reserved


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