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Public schools to dismiss @ 12:00 PM Tuesday due to UberSoca Cruise

All public schools across the Virgin Islands will operate on a half-day schedule on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Photo: VINO
The adjustment in school hours has been made to accommodate the hosting of the UberSoca Cruise events in Tortola, which is expected to bring over 3,000 guests as part of its inaugural Ocean's 11 Edition trip to the territory. Photo: Internet Source
The adjustment in school hours has been made to accommodate the hosting of the UberSoca Cruise events in Tortola, which is expected to bring over 3,000 guests as part of its inaugural Ocean's 11 Edition trip to the territory. Photo: Internet Source
The bulletin informing of the half-day schedule for public schools on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Photo: GIS
The bulletin informing of the half-day schedule for public schools on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – All public schools across the Virgin Islands will operate on a half-day schedule on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This decision aligns with the government’s move to implement a half-day schedule for all public officers on the same day.

This information was shared in a bulletin issued by the Ministry of Education on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Adjustment made to accommodate UberSoca Cruise

The adjustment in school hours has been made to accommodate the hosting of the UberSoca Cruise events in Tortola, which is expected to bring over 3,000 guests as part of its inaugural Ocean's 11 Edition trip to the territory.

The Virgin Islands is the latest destination added to the cruise's itinerary.

Schools operate safely and effectively

The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports also stated that the early closure aligns with the revised working hours for public officers, ensuring that schools can operate safely and effectively under these new arrangements.

The UberSoca Cruise, the largest soca festival at sea, will depart from Miami, Florida, and dock at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in Road Town on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The event is expected to contribute over $750,000.00 to the local economy.

3 Responses to “Public schools to dismiss @ 12:00 PM Tuesday due to UberSoca Cruise”

  • Hrmph (17/11/2025, 07:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    $750,000 would require each passenger to spend $250 whilst they were in the BVI. Given the relatively low cost of the cruise (it is not high budget - it is not full of high spending individuals) and the passengers are provided with free food and drink on the cruise, that seems unlikely. Maybe $40 per person on average = $120,000 total spend - but maybe not even that high because plenty of people will stay onboard and not come ashore.
  • Roger Burnett (17/11/2025, 07:52) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    The message to youth is that the jump-up has priority over all else, including their education.
  • 2027 (17/11/2025, 08:36) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most people would love this even if to get the little "away from the job" but putting a party above our children education is outrageous.
    My child rides a but up those dangerous hills everyday to school and I am worried sick espicially during prolong heavy rains.
    Those buses are skidding on the wet roads and only the grace of God that keep them safe and no one thinks about about sending them home early or something but here we are closing school for a party.
    Great job VIP!!. Remember 2027!!


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