328 Students to Shine as National Science
The National Science and Innovation Fair kicked off with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, March 17, as part of Education Month 2026, bringing together 328 students from 27 schools across the Virgin Islands to showcase STEAM projects. The exhibition runs Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, with judges assessing projects on theme relevance, scientific thought, originality and presentation, and members of the public able to vote for the People’s Choice Award, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports said.
The National Science and Innovation Fair 2026 officially opened on Tuesday, March 17, bringing together student innovators from across the Virgin Islands as part of the Territory’s observance of Education Month, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports said in an official release.
The opening ceremony began with a word of prayer offered by Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs. Selwood and continued with remarks from education officials who emphasised the fair’s role in fostering creativity, innovation and student development, the Ministry reported. Orlandette Crabbe thanked the panel of judges for their support and encouraged students to approach the judging process with confidence.
In comments released by the Ministry, Mrs. Crabbe said: "Judges, we could not put on a national science fair without your support. Thank you for the giving of your time and your talents to make this week’s events successful. Students, we want when it’s time for you to be judged you give it your all.
Whatever it is you have put in is what you will put out, so we know that you will do very well." These remarks were included in the government release prepared by Information Officer I Ms. Education Officer for Science and Physical Education Mrs. Renee Weston-Caines described the fair as a highlight of Education Month and an opportunity for students to show their ideas and creativity.
She noted the fair "promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while encouraging students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics," the release said. Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro expressed enthusiasm for the level of innovation on display and reminded the public that students are already contributing to solutions for local challenges: "You are not just the leaders of tomorrow, you are the innovators, change agents and problem solvers of today," she said, inviting the public to visit the fair on Thursday and Friday.
According to the Ministry, a total of 328 students from 27 schools — 19 primary and eight secondary, representing both public and private institutions — will compete across grade-appropriate categories. Primary pupils from Kindergarten to Grade Six will present models and experiments, while secondary students in Grades Seven to Twelve will also include artistic interpretations tied to scientific concepts, the government release stated.
This year’s fair places a greater emphasis on local problem-solving and requires all models to be fully functional, raising the standard for participants and judges, Mrs. Projects cover topics such as infrastructure, renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how students apply classroom learning to real-world issues.
A judging panel made up of educators, science professionals, engineers, environmental specialists and representatives from partner organisations and government agencies will assess entries on theme relevance, scientific thought and application, originality and creativity, and students’ ability to explain their research and conclusions, the Ministry said.
Several awards will be presented, including Overall Best Project, Overall Top School and Category Awards. The fair is open to the public on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Members of the public can cast votes in person for the People’s Choice Award during the exhibition period on Thursday.
The event is supported by platinum sponsors Guana Fund, Seven Seas and Oil Nut Bay, with major sponsors Unite BVI and Harneys, according to the Ministry release. For more information, visit www.bvisciencefair.com or contact the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports; the government release was prepared by Information Officer I Ms.
Angelique Lettsome (telephone: 1-284-468-9448; email: anlettsome@gov.vg).
Primary source: BVI Government