Ivan Dawson Primary School Students Celebrate Opening
Students, staff and community members gathered on Monday, April 20, to celebrate the official opening of a new playground at Ivan Dawson Primary School. The installation, announced by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, is the ninth playground completed under a Territory-wide upgrade programme, with one final sensory playground planned for Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School to support children with exceptional needs.
Students, staff and community members gathered at Ivan Dawson Primary School on Monday, April 20, for a dedication ceremony marking the opening of a new playground installed over the Easter break. Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, told attendees the project reflects the ministry’s commitment to listening to students and ensuring schools provide spaces that support learning and healthy development. “I remember visiting the school late last year and being asked directly by students when they would finally receive a playground,” the minister said. “When my team and I reviewed the school’s needs, we made a commitment that during the Easter break we would ensure that this playground was installed so that students could return to school with a surprise.” The minister’s remarks were included in the Government’s release about the event (Government of the Virgin Islands).
Minister de Castro underscored the importance of play in childhood development, saying playgrounds encourage cooperation, respect and positive interaction among pupils. The new equipment at Ivan Dawson is part of an ongoing Ministry of Education initiative to upgrade recreational facilities across public primary schools in the Virgin Islands; the ministry confirmed Ivan Dawson is the ninth school to benefit from the programme, with one remaining project planned.
Officials said the final project will be a sensory playground at Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School designed to support children with exceptional needs, including pupils from the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre (Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports). Principal Shaniqua Henley-Vanterpool thanked the ministry and local partners for the upgrade, noting the positive effect the new equipment will have on students’ daily school experience.
Student respondent Jereiny Sanchez, speaking for the Class of 2026, expressed appreciation on behalf of the pupil body. Second District Representative Honourable Melvin Turnbull congratulated the principal and staff, encouraged children to enjoy the space safely, and urged them to practise sharing and looking out for one another.
Following the speakers, Pastor Cline offered a dedication prayer, and pupils were invited to begin using the new playground. The Government release and the Ministry of Education say the playgrounds programme is part of a visible push to improve school infrastructure and student wellbeing across the Territory.
Officials note that safe, modern play spaces can increase physical activity during the school day, support social development and enhance the overall learning environment for young children. This report is compiled from information provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and the Government of the Virgin Islands.
For media enquiries, the ministry listed Angelique Lettsome, Information Officer I, at 1-284-468-9448 or anlettsome@gov.vg; general government contacts are available via BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com or (284) 468-3701.
Primary source: BVI Government