Two students of Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre assist Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) with the cutting of the ribbon to declare the new building officially opened on October 13, 2025. Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is 3rd from right. Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) is left, while Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe is right. Photo: VINO

The project for the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre was undertaken through the Virgin Islands Recovery Development Agency (RDA) and constructed by Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. Photo: GIS

Governor Daniel Pruce takes a tour of the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre. Photo: VINO

Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr also attended the opening ceremony for the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre. Photo: VINO

The first of its kind purpose-built special education centre in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) officially opened in the Virgin Islands (VI) today, Monday, October 13, 2025. Photo: VINO

Another angle of the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre in John's Hole. Photo: RDA

The new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre is more than a school; "it is a statement that here in the Virgin Islands every child matters, every mind belongs, and every ability has value,” Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) stated during the official Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly built institution at John's Hole this morning.

The old structure, opened on October 12, 1972, was destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

The storms gave us something sacred

“When the storms stripped us bare, they also gave us something sacred: the opportunity to begin again intentionally this time. To not just rebuild what was, but to reimagine what could be. This school today stands as the embodiment of that reimagining.”

Hon de Castro said every beam, brick, and design decision was deliberate as the school was not simply reconstructed but redesigned and not simply reopened but rebirthed.

“So this is a structure, born of purpose, intentionally crafted to meet the diverse, dynamic needs of our exceptional learners here today.”

Meeting the students where they are

The project for the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre was undertaken through the Virgin Islands Recovery Development Agency (RDA) and constructed by Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd.

The new structure has four classrooms, two exterior learning spaces, a sensory room, a therapy room, a media room, a multipurpose hall, a hygiene room, a nurse’s station and quiet areas for reflection in the rain and sensory garden.

Hon de Castro added, “Here in this new facility, architecture meets empathy, here space itself speaks the language of inclusion with sensory rooms, therapeutic spaces, accessibility features and technology designed to meet every learner exactly where they are."

Among those at the opening today were Governor Daniel Pruce; Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who also delivered remarks; Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5); Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr; and Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe.

More details to follow.