Nicolas Laurac, Zyra Creque, and Bernard Gordon are the newest recipients of the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship. Photo: GIS

Ms Siobhan Flax, Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Office, called the 2025 BVI Asia Study Abroad Scholarship award ceremony a celebration of courage, collaboration, and an exciting road ahead. Photo: GIS

Premier and Finance Minister Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship is a landmark initiative of profound significance to the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS

The three new awardees are Nicolas Laurac, who will pursue a bachelor's degree in Architectural Studies; Zyra Creque, who will study Culinary Arts; and Bernard Gordon, who will study Tourism Business and Management.

They will join the nine other students who are already pursuing their studies in Asia. 

A special recognition ceremony was held on Friday, July 18, 2025, to mark the beginning of their new journey by pinning the scholarship recipients. 

The ceremony was held under the theme “Bridging Futures: Celebrating the Success of BVI Asia Abroad Scholars.” 

Scholarship program prepares VIslanders as global citizens

Ms Siobhan Flax, Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Office, called the event a celebration of courage, collaboration, and an exciting road ahead as we continue to bridge cultures and build futures through the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship Program. 

“The program was conceived to provide more than just access to international education for our students; it aims to prepare Virgin Islanders to become global citizens in a rapidly developing region of the world. We want to equip young individuals who are confident, competent, and capable of navigating the complexities of an ever-interconnected and innovative world,” she added. 

Ms Flax acknowledged that the program has not been easy and that the students can attest to that, as it has required many long hours, careful conversations, and diplomacy at times, along with sustained partnerships.

 “Yet, it has been one of the most rewarding journeys to witness our students take on these challenges. Every scholar we support, every partnership we form, and every single obstacle we overcome reaffirms the purpose of the program.”

Ms Flax emphasised that growth often occurs outside of our comfort zones, and there is immense power in knowing that Virgin Islanders can adapt, excel, thrive, and succeed anywhere in the world. 

“I have seen this firsthand with our current students, graduates, and incoming students,” she added. 

A landmark initiative- Premier Wheatley 

Meanwhile, Premier and Finance Minister Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated, “The BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship is a landmark initiative of profound significance to the Virgin Islands. It opens doors for our young people, empowering them to develop personally and professionally while accessing rewarding and meaningful careers. Ultimately, this uplift not only benefits them but also their families and future generations.” 

He added that the program is an investment in the human capital of the Virgin Islands, contributing to growth in vital sectors such as hospitality and tourism, information technology, engineering, education, agriculture, fisheries, finance, and public administration. 

“Participants gain invaluable exposure by studying, living, and, in some cases, working abroad from a young age, receiving international training, and developing into true global citizens…The value of this exposure cannot be overstated; it strengthens our industries, enriches our economy, and expands the prospects for our youth in immeasurable ways.”