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VI schools remain closed during 1st phase of internal reopening

- teachers allowed to access schools for 'online instruction'
Schools in the Virgin Islands will remain closed until further notice. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said teachers, in a limited capacity, can access schools and engage in online instruction. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said teachers, in a limited capacity, can access schools and engage in online instruction. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), is expected to follow ‘soon’ with more information on the continued closure of schools. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), is expected to follow ‘soon’ with more information on the continued closure of schools. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- When the Virgin Islands emerges from complete lockdown and begins to reopen internally from next week, educational institutions across the Territory will remain shut, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has stated.

Teachers; however, will be allowed to attend school and engage students via online means.

Schools across the Territory have been closed for a month due to the threat posed by the global pandemic, COVID-19.

“During this initial internal opening, I wish to say here that Cabinet also decided that schools would remain closed to students, but teachers, in a limited capacity, can access schools and engage in online instruction,” Premier Fahie said in a live COVID-19 update on April 15, 2020.

He said Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), is expected to follow ‘soon’ with a “speech with more details in this area in regards to schools.”

Digital initiatives

Even before schools closed for the Easter break, students at public schools have been learning via google classroom.

Private schools have been utilising various digital means, including Google Classroom, Zoom, Youtube, Whatsapp and even direct calls to get their sessions with students done.

Dr Wheatley had said previously; however, that students who don't have access to technology remain a concern and that Government is working to address the issue.

Meanwhile, the 24/7 curfew will be lifted on April 20, 2020, and the Territory will be under a "soft curfew" from 7:00pm to 6:00am until further notice.

There is currently one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Territory.

10 Responses to “VI schools remain closed during 1st phase of internal reopening ”

  • right about now (16/04/2020, 10:47) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    myron would've been up out and around
  • home (16/04/2020, 10:49) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    So when we go to work where do we put the kids. Who's going help the younger ones with accessing stuff online or to help them navigate to do the work. How exactly is this supposed to work if we are to go back to work to provide for them. I'm not laying blame; just asking so we could get some feedback for people in situations as these as I doubt I would be the only one in this position
    • wow (16/04/2020, 15:03) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      When you go to work, ask or pay someone to watch the kids, if your kids are disciplined they won’t even need much attending to, just someone who can make sure they eat and do the necessities. Next, you home for several weeks, take the time to teach your children how to use the computer, and spend time with them going through their school work. So even if they don’t understand something given, they can even call you for one minute at work to ask a question. Yes you will be working, but think on it this way, sending your child to school will be more of a bad choice than having them stay at home safe and sound.
  • Google Loon (16/04/2020, 11:23) Like (28) Dislike (4) Reply
    What I really wanna know is why y’all got these 5G balloons passing over us ?! Idc if you don’t believe in this, I’m playing it safe from both angles ! So tell me why ? What y’all really doing and what y’all really not telling us ?!

    Don’t believe me get the app Flightradar24 and you’ll see that these balloons recently left the Caribbean waters
    • @Google Loon (16/04/2020, 17:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yup and they not too long announced that we’ll see a spike in the Caribbean from the “virus”... they not telling us something
  • rewrsdffds (16/04/2020, 12:05) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ home sort yourself out. You guys complain to much. No social distancing. Can kids do that??? Think about. Some of you just ready to post your kids back to school give the virus time to pass on please.
    • home (16/04/2020, 14:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      You see I'm asking in how should we deal with it right? Did you see a complaint? You guys like jump down people throat for simple things. Not everyone may have it together like you. Should I stay home; then who's going provide; do I leave her home by herself; who's going make sure shes safe... it's a no win situation just seeking some input. Otherwise go cart you $$@ somewhere
    • OK Then (16/04/2020, 21:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Totally agree with you. Most of them don't want to take responsibility for their children they are not looking at the bigger issue that we are facing. Teachers are NOT babysitters they are trying their best even in these trying times when will we as parents do what we need to as parents. Stop the blasted complaining and do your part as parents.
  • tell (16/04/2020, 13:23) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Myron go and stop d virus u fool it sound like you don't have sense
  • home (17/04/2020, 01:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Again just asking a question as someone who's responsible should do. Should one leave a 5 year alone home by herself. If I dont work then who's to feed her and keep a roof over her head. Was not suggesting send her back to school. Was just asking as many of us are in same plight what is way to handle. As someone said a babysitter. That's not a bad idea but one has to know who they bringing into their child's life and what if the price is so steep and I cannot afford to pay.


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