BVI Public Schools to Receive Air Conditioning
Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe announced a phased approach to outfit all public schools in the British Virgin Islands with air conditioning units. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning environment amidst changing climate conditions, has already seen progress with the complete installation at Bregado Flax Educational Centre - Secondary Division, Joyce Samuel Primary School, and part of Elmore Stoutt High School.
In a significant development for the education sector in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe revealed plans to install air conditioning (AC) units across all public schools. Speaking at the Virgin Islands Voice on September 10, 2025, Crabbe outlined a 'phased approach' for this initiative, underscoring the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports' commitment to upgrading school infrastructure for a better learning environment.
The initiative kicked off over the summer with the Bregado Flax Educational Centre - Secondary Division being fully air-conditioned, following the earlier installation in its primary division. Additionally, Joyce Samuel Primary School and the C-Block of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) have benefited from full air-conditioning installations, addressing significant ventilation challenges, particularly in areas hosting cooking labs and technical rooms.
Crabbe emphasized the necessity of this move, linking it to the changing climate and its impact on classroom conditions. 'Sometimes, when you go into those classrooms, there is no way that learning could take place because of how uncomfortable it is,' she remarked, pointing out the distractions caused by excessive heat.
The initiative has been made possible through government funding, with Crabbe expressing gratitude towards the Ministry of Finance, the Premier, and the Minister of Finance for their ongoing support. Despite the progress, Crabbe acknowledged the extensive work that remains to be done in terms of infrastructure development within the school system.
The ministry has plans to initiate additional projects in the next three months and aims to address more in the upcoming budget cycle. This push towards air-conditioning public schools in the BVI represents a significant step forward in creating conducive learning environments for students.
As the climate continues to pose new challenges, such infrastructure upgrades are critical in ensuring that education remains uninterrupted and effective. The phased approach allows for gradual implementation, ensuring that immediate needs are met while planning for future enhancements across the education sector.
Primary source: VINO