Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe has been confirmed as Chief Education Officer within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, effective June 2024. Mrs. Crabbe’s appointment to the position comes following an Acting Appointment.
As Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Crabbe will continue to supervise the administration and management of the Department of Education to ensure educational standards are maintained and continually developed throughout the Territory.
Mrs. Crabbe has extensive experience in education, having served as a teacher at the then Belle Vue Primary School, Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Ingleside Elementary in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. She has also served as Assistant Principal for the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Principal of the Joyce Samuel Primary School. Mrs. Crabbe’s professional experience also includes one year as an Adjunct Lecturer at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
The Chief Education Officer is also responsible for advising the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, supervising all schools within the education system and managing educational planning.
Mrs. Crabbe has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Preschool, Pre-K and Primary Education from the Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from the Florida State University.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Marcia Potter while commenting on her appointment, highlighted the ongoing work to transform education in the Virgin Islands, noting Mrs. Crabbe’s significant contributions.
Dr. Potter said, “Education is the bedrock of any successful nation. Mrs. Crabbe has an extensive history of excellence within the Public Service, and we are excited at the opportunity for her to continue this progress as the Chief Education Officer. This is a critical role with functions that play a key role in developing the minds of our students and future leaders. I wish her every success.”
Additionally, Mrs. Heida Selwood has been confirmed as Deputy Chief Education Officer within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs ands Sports, effective June 2024.
Mrs. Selwood’s appointment to the position comes following an Acting Appointment. She boasts an extensive career in education in the Virgin Islands, having served as a Teacher, Head of Department and Assistant Principal (Ag.) at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre. Mrs. Selwood’s experience also includes an appointment as Education Officer for approximately seven (7) years, prior to being appointed to act as Deputy Chief Education Officer.
In her role, Mrs. Selwood assists with the administration and management of the Department of Education to ensure educational standards are maintained and continually developed at learning institutions throughout the Virgin Islands.
Additionally, as Deputy Chief Education Officer, Mrs, Selwood will supervise and monitor the administration, inventories and security of schools as well as the admission of students to ensure that policies and procedures are effectively complied with.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Marcia Potter said, “Mrs. Heida Selwood brings a wealth of valuable experience to this role and I am confident that she will continue to deliver in the role of Deputy Chief Education Officer.”
Mrs. Selwood’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Andrews University, a Teacher Education Diploma from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science in Management and Educational Leadership from the University of the West Indies.