Among those giving remarks at the event at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) campus in Paraquita Bay, on May 19, 2023, were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and other Ministers of Government who shared on the importance of changing the culture of cyberbullying and cybercrime in the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer encouraged the students to use the support systems that are in place to fight against cyberbullying. Photo: Facebook

Among those giving remarks at the event at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) campus in Paraquita Bay, on May 19, 2023, were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and other Ministers of Government who shared on the importance of changing the culture of cyberbullying and cybercrime in the Virgin Islands.

“I am happy that the room is filled with young people, because only young people can change what has really become a culture in the VI, a culture of negativity. It takes each and every one of us to fight against that culture."

The Premier added that some students who study abroad often do not return over the level of negativity in the VI, that even the locals face, "some people just can't wait to get on a plane, leave and never come back."

Schools represented at the symposium included Elmore Stoutt High School, St George’s Secondary School, the Virgin Islands Technical School, Cedar International School, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division, and the Claudia Creque Secondary Division. 

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) encouraged the students to use the support systems in place to fight cyberbullying.

Report cyberbullying - Hon Rymer 

“When you are being cyberbullied, report it. If you are nervous about it, speak to a friend, speak to your family, and speak to your parents. You do not want to fall into depression or be afraid to go out because people may look at you funny based on what was said on social media platforms,” he added.

Present at the event was also Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) who admonished the students to strengthen their core values as they travel through life.

“Whether it is school or in the workforce, you will find yourself in some environments that may potentially not be the best, some could be what I consider to be poisonous.”

She told students that if they can take on individual responsibility to strengthen the core values of love, empathy and respect for every person, then it can really make a dent in the reality of cyberbullying potentially happening.