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Skelton-Cline celebrates Hon de Castro on HLSCC milestone

- said HLSCC to offer Bachelor’s Degrees for the first time is a ‘hippopotamus move’
Host of Honestly Speaking, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has tipped his hat to Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), for the accomplishments gained in education, especially at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the June 16, 2026, airing of his show Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: Facebook
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline during the June 16, 2026, airing of his show Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM. Photo: Facebook
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will launch its Bachelor of Arts in Education, providing aspiring teachers the opportunity to complete their full training locally, eliminating the need to pursue parts of their studies overseas. Photo: HLSCC
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will launch its Bachelor of Arts in Education, providing aspiring teachers the opportunity to complete their full training locally, eliminating the need to pursue parts of their studies overseas. Photo: HLSCC
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Host of Honestly Speaking, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has tipped his hat to Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), for the accomplishments gained in education, especially at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

During his show on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on ZBVI 780 AM titled ‘What We Know Is Not True Part 3’, Skelton-Cline commended de Castro and her team, saying, “I was just delighted to hear this past week that the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has now been fully accredited and is suited to become a four-year college offering Bachelor's Degree diplomas.” 

This ‘needs to be celebrated’

He also recognised HLSCC President Dr Richard E. Georges and his team for their continuous work at the college.  

During the 33rd Graduation Exercises of the college on June 11, 2026, Hon de Castro announced that the institution will begin offering four-year degrees upon receiving official accreditation. 

This accreditation will enable the college to launch its Bachelor of Arts in Education. This will provide aspiring teachers the opportunity to complete their full training locally, eliminating the need to pursue parts of their studies overseas. 

Skelton-Cline described the accomplishment, saying, “That’s a hippopotamus move. That’s big stuff, and that needs to be celebrated.”

Public education, he added, is a critical component that needs attention. 

This was not the first time Skelton-Cline spoke highly of Hon de Castro on his platform in her role as Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports. 

See link to related article 

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/hlscc-granted-accreditation-to-offer-4-year-degree-programmes

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