It was revealed at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Unite BVI and the Government of the Virgin Islands at Maria’s by the Sea today, Monday, January 22, 2024, that Unite BVI, which is part of the Sir Richard CN Branson’s Virgin Group, has committed to help rebuild the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and also help move the [British] Virgin Islands education system full S.T.E.A.M. ahead. Photo: GIS

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) said, ‘it is only fitting that Unite BVI now has a stake in the rebuild of the Mighty Mighty Scatliffe—a symbol of resilience and the unwavering spirit of collaboration.’ Photo: Team of Reporters

Demolition of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School building on April 4, 2023. Photo: Quickshots Drone Photography/Facebook

Executive Director of Unite BVI L. Sauda Smith said Unite BVI is delighted to collaborate with the Ministry of Education in reimagining the Territory’s education system. Photo: Facebook

This was revealed at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Unite BVI at Maria’s by the Sea today, Monday, January 22, 2024.

Education transformation requires unity- Premier

Among those in attendance and giving remarks were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe, and Executive Director of Unite BVI L. Sauda Smith. Sir Richard was also in attendance.

Premier Wheatley said we are literally witnessing the transformation of Education in our territory and for this transformation to take place, it would require everyone to unite to take on this formidable task.

“That is why I am so grateful for the collaboration of Unite BVI in this effort,” Hon Wheatley said, as he expressed appreciation to Sir Richard and family and members of Unite BVI.

Unite BVI has a 'stake in rebuild of Mighty Mighty Scatliffe'- Hon de Castro

Hon de Castro disclosed that it was Unite BVI that had engaged an engineering firm to assess the state of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School building and following the closing of the schools due to extreme safety concerns, Unite BVI fully funded and executed the significant renovations required at the Francis Lettsome Primary School and the completion of the top floor of the Enis Adams Primary School to house the some 330 students left in limbo.

According to Hon de Castro, “It is only fitting that Unite BVI now has a stake in the rebuild of the Mighty Mighty Scatliffe—a symbol of resilience and the unwavering spirit of collaboration.”

The Education Minister also disclosed that Unite BVI is further propelling the VI forward by assisting in “Moving Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”

She said the “procurement of much-needed S.T.E.A.M. resources for schools is more than an acquisition of materials; it is an infusion of energy into the veins of our educational system.

“These resources, spanning robotics, coding, engineering, and artificial intelligence, are the tools that will cultivate skills, spark curiosity, and ignite the creative flames within our students.”

Hon de Castro further said Unite BVI has also been instrumental in the creation of a Donation Policy for the Ministry of Education.

“The MoU stands as a compass, pointing the way forward, while the Donations Policy represents a key that unlocks the potential for unprecedented support from partners like Unite BVI. They are not just paperwork; they are historic tools that will carve the path toward a brighter future for our students, educators, and the Virgin Islands at large.

Unite BVI delighted to help 'reimagine education' in VI- L. Sauda Smith

Meanwhile, L. Sauda Smith said Unite BVI is delighted to collaborate with the Ministry of Education in reimagining the Territory’s education system.

She said the organisation is a registered NPO in the territory and it is part of the Virgin Group, and as such, all of its operational costs are covered by the Branson family and the Virgin Group.

“This is significant as it means that all of the monies donated to our organisation are used for projects exclusively.”

Mrs Smith also said Unite BVI has cultivated relationships with other NPOs, service groups and other international partners in order to fulfill its mission of inspiring generations of global changemakers, starting here in the Virgin Islands.

According to Education CEO Mrs Crabbe, Unite BVI saw the vision of the Ministry of Education and after “many meetings, many meetings, site visits, think tanks, has joined with us to reimagine education in the Virgin Islands.”