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Hon Sharie B. de Castro leads education delegation in Finland

-visit aligns with programmes and ideas for education in VI
Education Minister Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), along with Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe are in Helsinki, Finland for EDUCA learning from one of the world’s top education systems. Photo: BVI London Office
The Minister of Education, Hon. Sharie de Castro, and the Chief Education Officer, Orlandette R. Crabbe are meeting with education leaders, attending classroom visits, and engaging in expert exchanges aimed at transforming best practices into concrete initiatives for the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVI London Office
The Minister of Education, Hon. Sharie de Castro, and the Chief Education Officer, Orlandette R. Crabbe are meeting with education leaders, attending classroom visits, and engaging in expert exchanges aimed at transforming best practices into concrete initiatives for the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVI London Office
The Minister and delegation visited Maatulli Comprehensive School in Helsinki to discuss inclusive basic education, school leadership, and local education governance. Photo: BVI London Office
The Minister and delegation visited Maatulli Comprehensive School in Helsinki to discuss inclusive basic education, school leadership, and local education governance. Photo: BVI London Office
HELSINKI, Finland- Education Minister Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), along with Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe, are in Helsinki, Finland, for EDUCA learning from one of the world’s top education systems.

Helsinki, Finland, is considered a premier education hub known for its world-class, student-centred, and largely English-taught academic programs. 

In a Facebook post, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), said he is excited to see the pair Finland, for EDUCA.

Visit aligns with ministry's goals 

“The minister delivered a strong presentation during the 2026 Budget Address, and this visit aligns with the programmes and ideas she plans to implement. She’s well on her way," the Premier said.

Hon. de Castro and Mrs Crabbe are meeting with education leaders, attending classroom visits, and engaging in expert exchanges aimed at transforming best practices into concrete initiatives for the Virgin Islands.

Programme focuses on education across learning pathways

According to the post on day one, the programme focused on education across learning pathways in Finland.  

The Minister and delegation visited Maatulli Comprehensive School in Helsinki to discuss inclusive basic education, school leadership, and local education governance. 

The programme continued in Espoo with a visit to Omnia, highlighting Finland’s vocational education and training system, workplace-oriented learning, and international education partnerships

26 Responses to “Hon Sharie B. de Castro leads education delegation in Finland”

  • WHAT!!! (24/01/2026, 12:32) Like (42) Dislike (14) Reply
    I would like to know how much of our money this little holiday is costing us taxpayers ,nothing that could not be learned remotely.Of course never will be told , vip traveling and partying.
    • stfu (24/01/2026, 14:40) Like (3) Dislike (23) Reply
      STFU WITH YOUR SALTY JEALOUS SELF
    • Sad (24/01/2026, 17:51) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
      What is missing from this conversation is the fact that we now live in a global society. We elected these individuals to not only represent our needs locally but to identify key international connections that advance our interests. There is NO substitution to seeing one of the world's best education system up close. Zoom or Teams cant provide that. Lets stop being petty and consider what is in our broader best interest!
    • @ WHAT!!!! (24/01/2026, 17:53) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
      When ndp was globe flying your hater rass was not asking that she going get reelected any way
    • hmm (24/01/2026, 18:41) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
      Till Finland to do wha
    • @WHAT!!! (24/01/2026, 20:18) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
      Not a vacation...this is a step in the right direction...if you know anything you would know that Finland has a world class education system...2 teachers in each class room etc... even their prison system is focused on rehabilitation....you would do well to look into it....we need to come out of the colonial master type education system and education policies...do you expect your former.slave mater to really liberate you...???
    • @WHAT!!! (24/01/2026, 23:06) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply

      WHAT!!! your @$$! You with your BS but remotely! When NDP was traveling it wasn’t to party. I ain’t hear a sound but because you all don’t support the VIP them Always traveling. Crabs in a barrel mentality!

    • @WHAT!!! (25/01/2026, 04:07) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      LoL, you jealous or something?
      Oh you want 2 travel and party too.
  • Look Out (24/01/2026, 12:43) Like (9) Dislike (51) Reply
    She will be the first female premier in 2031
  • Hmmm. (24/01/2026, 14:23) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    All these expensuve trips. Where are the results? The sad part no matter who we vote for its going to be the same, nothing won't change. When people in power see miney and opportunity, sekfishness took over...
  • Goals (24/01/2026, 16:14) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    To visit as many places as she can before getting out of Government. So sad and we dont have the basic resources for schools. Leader of opposition please request a list of her travels and the expenses and make it available to the public.thank you
  • Oh My (24/01/2026, 18:34) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am already excited about this vacation in Finland, who the hell knows tortola are his people over in Finland? Oh all sharie did was pick up the phone and call over in Finland and introduce herself as a politician or diplomat and that she is coming to visit the Finland and if any government agents mind talking to me during my vacation for photo ops for my home country to make my vacation look governmental? I will find a nice hotel to stay.
    • @Oh My (24/01/2026, 23:08) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply

      Shut the front door id**t!!! Satan will make sure he likes of you don’t end up in hell. Petty @%$

  • Minister (24/01/2026, 18:40) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hon. please look into EAPS and the affairs the teacher have with her student father .nasty
    • Strupessss (25/01/2026, 10:49) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply

      If the teacher and the student father have an affair that have nothing to do with the minister! Those are TWO ADULTS that know exactly what they’re doing and minding their business! Maybe you should do the same from being a bitter @#$h***!

    • tom (25/01/2026, 10:55) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply

      Yall females does be upset with everybody except Ayu cheating nasty man!! This is not the first time he han her! She did her body and he still ain’t sticking around so she may be the problem! For God in Heaven sake move on and let him be for the streets K*****! You’re too old to be out here attacking everyone box head cheats on you with. C’Mon man!

  • $77m (24/01/2026, 18:43) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    To play with - Business Class | 7 start Hotels and Shopping spree all on the backs of us. They using this as a LIME as always nothing to show in the end.
  • Wellsah (24/01/2026, 18:51) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    my girl stay traveling!
  • watch (24/01/2026, 21:33) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Till Finland and EAPS in shambles set of nasty teachers up there
    • @watch (24/01/2026, 23:01) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Report what you know from on here with your $hit. Set of mongrels!
    • LOL (25/01/2026, 11:01) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Yall will be just fine! The teachers do it better! Tell Kim ask for some new ideas and positions. The teacher could probably teach her a thing or two! LOL
  • Really? (24/01/2026, 22:33) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about we work on the basics before we go changing and adding programs. Basics like school furniture, toilet paper, hand soap, drinking water, etc. All these officials interested in doing is making things look good on paper, they dont care if its working or not. They are making decisions that affect ALL of us without any data, or talking to us. They have NO idea what WE need!
  • (25/01/2026, 07:32) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Minister D do not listen to these jealous fools who can’t represent us from Road Town to fish bay. The record will show you continue to be the best education minister in the bvi history. You have move education up up
  • Sigh (25/01/2026, 11:03) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Finland's education I al system reflects their cultural practices,family ,ethics.demographic.
    These qualities do not align nor are they in anyway similar to the CARICOM semi civil human products that these VI Import in preferable abundance . Hey we know that!!! Not too long ago,we had a school system that outshone the Caribbean and a character reputation in all areas to suit.
    The BVI Community now continues to maintain a population that would enhance the illicit activities...drugs, human trafficking and all the other low life stuff. Proritues have suited as the infamous long time curse of the garrots has blanketed the VI and given birth to a new breed of warped gremlins.
  • ausar (26/01/2026, 00:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What I would hope to come out of this visit is parallelism!

    Parallelism, in the fact that our educational system is mirrored,in whole or part, like that of Finnish systems!

    Parallelism, in the fact that our students should be able to attend Finnish schools, and achieve educational attainment, in arts, sciences, medicine, technology, and law!

    What I don't want to hear about, is the places y'all ate at, stayed at, played at, and all that sort of nonsense!

    We need parallels, in y'all travels, if y'all gonna convince me, that these travels is beneficial, for the growth of the country!



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