HLSCC Accreditation Praised by Skelton-Cline
Radio host Skelton-Cline has lauded Education Minister Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles de Castro and HLSCC leadership after the college gained full accreditation to offer four-year degrees. The accreditation clears the way for a Bachelor of Arts in Education, allowing aspiring teachers to complete their training locally.
Radio commentator Skelton-Cline used his ZBVI 780 AM programme 'What We Know Is Not True Part 3' on June 16, 2026, to commend Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles de Castro and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) team for a major milestone: full accreditation to offer four-year degree programmes.
Speaking about announcements made at HLSCC’s 33rd Graduation Exercises on June 11, 2026, Skelton-Cline congratulated Minister de Castro and HLSCC President Dr Richard E. Georges, saying he was "delighted" to learn the college is now "suited to become a four-year college offering Bachelor's Degree diplomas." He added that the development "needs to be celebrated," calling the achievement "a hippopotamus move.
That's big stuff." The accreditation will enable HLSCC to launch a Bachelor of Arts in Education, a programme that will let aspiring teachers complete their full training in the British Virgin Islands rather than travelling overseas for parts of their studies. For residents, this could reduce the financial and logistical burden associated with teacher training and help strengthen local teacher supply.
Local completion of teacher education also supports the territory’s broader education goals: retaining talent, improving continuity in schools, and allowing curriculum and teacher training to be closely matched to BVI classroom needs. Skelton-Cline emphasised the importance of public education as a critical area demanding attention and investment.
HLSCC’s move to four-year degree status follows work by college leadership and government ministries to expand post-secondary options in the territory. Skelton-Cline specifically acknowledged the continuous efforts of Dr Richard E. Georges and his team in preparing the institution for the next phase.
This is not the first occasion Skelton-Cline has praised Minister de Castro’s work in education, youth affairs and sports on his platform. The recent accreditation signals a tangible policy outcome that will be watched closely by students, parents, educators and policymakers in the BVI.
As HLSCC prepares to implement the new degree pathway, practical details such as programme start dates, admission criteria and funding support will be important for prospective students. Local stakeholders say clear communication and support measures will be needed to ensure the benefits of the new degree options reach the wider community.
Primary source: VINO