In his Budget Address delivered on November 11, Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to education in the British Virgin Islands, outlining both achievements from 2024 and future plans aimed at strengthening the Territory’s educational infrastructure.
In the 2025 budget, over $5.2 million has been earmarked for critical capital acquisition and development projects in the education sector.
The Premier stressed the importance of “safe, resilient learning environments” and detailed that ongoing structural assessments, in collaboration with Unite BVI, have informed the selection of essential remedial works.
Premier Wheatley also reviewed strides made in 2024 under the theme “Moving Full STEAM Ahead.” He detailed key infrastructure improvements, such as opening the Jost Van Dyke Primary School and upgrading facilities across the Territory.
Youth engagement was another focal point, with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports reaching hundreds of young people through mentorship and training. The Elite Athlete Contribution Programme was highlighted as a success, supporting athletes, including four Olympians who represented the Virgin Islands at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite the optimism surrounding these initiatives, critical questions remain. The 2025 Budget Address notably lacked clarity on the total allocation for the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports. The 2024 budget, for instance, allocated $53.38 million to the Ministry, accounting for 11.34% of planned government spending for that year.
However, the specifics of the 2025 allocation were conspicuously absent from the address. Such gaps in the address have been highlighted by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie Skelton arguing that it leaves uncertainty about the overall prioritization and funding distribution.