Govt Targets 81 District Scholarships
The BVI Government is rolling out 81 scholarships across the Territory's nine electoral districts to support technical and vocational training in high-demand industries. Spearheaded under the Let's Build VI initiative, the programme funds certifications in maritime, construction, and hospitality sectors. The first cohort of trainees began their maritime coursework in September.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is targeting 81 scholarships across the Territory's nine electoral districts to bolster technical skills and open new career pathways in key economic sectors, Education Minister Sharie deCastro has announced. The training initiative is part of the government's Let's Build VI programme, which provides direct financial support for residents seeking certified vocational qualifications in the maritime, construction, and hospitality industries.
Under the plan, each of the nine electoral districts has been allocated nine fully funded scholarship opportunities, supported by an estimated overall investment of up to $400,000. Speaking on the government's Virgin Islands Voice programme, Minister deCastro explained that Let's Build VI grew out of the earlier Let's Teach VI initiative, which initially focused on recruiting and training local educators.
She noted that the government recognised a pressing need to expand beyond teacher recruitment and build skilled capacity in other vital pillars of the local economy. The initiative is already making headway, with the first cohort of 10 trainees commencing their studies in September.
The initial group, composed of nine young men and one young woman, is undertaking specialised training to prepare for long-term employment across the Territory's maritime sector. The scholarship scheme also aligns with broader investments in vocational infrastructure across the British Virgin Islands.
Lavity Stoutt Community College, which recently reopened its maritime fire safety training facility to deliver internationally recognised certifications for local seafarers. Alongside the trade initiatives, the Ministry of Education continues to support its educator training pathways through partnerships with the local community college and the University of the Virgin Islands.
Minister deCastro affirmed that these combined educational programmes reflect the government's ongoing commitment to building a resilient, homegrown workforce across all districts.
Primary source: BVI News