VI will have a 'localised teaching force' in 'next 5 to 10 years'- Hon Sharie B. de Castro
She based this belief on the increasing interest Virgin Islanders have been showing in the teaching profession recently.
'You will see a localised teaching force'
During a press conference to mark the start of Education Month on Monday, March 2, 2026, Minister de Castro responded to a question from the media. She emphasised that, with the support of the Minister of Finance and the entire government, teachers' salaries have become quite competitive.
"Thankfully, due to the support of the Minister of Finance and the entire government, teachers' salaries are amazing, and so they currently stand top in the region, even higher than the US Virgin Islands. So we have seen an increased interest in the profession, persons coming in from other professions, but we've also seen young people who have put up their hands and said, 'I want to get into teaching'. So, within the next 5 to 10 years, I believe you will see a localised teaching force."
More educated teaching workforce
Minister de Castro emphasised the government's commitment to developing a more advanced and educated teaching workforce in the Virgin Islands.
She referenced the partnership between the government and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), which aims to establish a bachelor's degree programme in education to help create a more localised teaching force.
"What is most important is that they would have been built through an intentional and strategic partnership with HLSCC, where we're purpose-building our own education bachelor's programme to supply our schools. So our context, our culture, and our collaboration are what will drive the instructional quality in our schools," Minister de Castro added.
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29 Responses to “VI will have a 'localised teaching force' in 'next 5 to 10 years'- Hon Sharie B. de Castro”
The answer is no. They dont go to the Caribbean in search of work , those days are over for now. We come here in search of work.
Yes Bvi post positions online, Doctors, nurses,teachers etc. besides everyone else does. Im here working because I was unable to find work in my Country. .
God bless the Caribbean/God Bless the VIs
I hope the next government really reboots education because it needs some serious work. The CEO and minister just bluffing their way along.
Then they put principals where they either can't or won't support or guide teachers. They are too busy being bullies.
In each Country this should be the desire of the leaders.
I love the BVI !
HOW WILL YOU HAVE THEM TEACHING? MADNESS!!
She is a true Politian.
She is not only talking.
Shes also working.
What are the driving force that cause the dearth of local teachers? What took so long to attempt to localized teaching? Did the VI fail to recognize the importance and the need to train effectively to meet its labor needs , staying at the tip of the spear of the transitioning from subsistences agricultural economy to a service-based economy? Is the VI poorly managing its immigration and labour policies? Has the VI become a prisoner of kicking the can down the road? Is it running out of road?
Moreover, the Hon Sharie de Castro, AtL, MoE, should be commended for working to get teachers salaries at a competitive level.
So rest assured you will not see that objective by the Minister achieved any time soon if ever.
Leadership
We need more persons who know how to put structure and policies in place and ENFORCE them. There is a difference between being in control and being controlling. If you put people to lead a department or team in a school, empower them to lead and let them lead.
Curriculum
The curriculum in public schools needs an overhaul. From K to 12, there needs to be a scope and sequence. The concepts and skills taught in one grade must lead into and connect with the next grade. In some grades it's too much too soon or too little too late.
Infrastructure
People see well-painted buildings and clean yards. What they don't see is the cracks and leaks still in some rooms or areas of a school. They don't see cramped classrooms with too many desks and chairs because of too many students in rooms built to accommodate 10 students and only one way of escape in case of an emergency. Please, please build back that primary school in Road Town to ease the strain.
There is more. Let's start here.