This he says will see further adjustments to consider the drive of S.T.E.A.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math education.

“We must re-think education and prepare the next generation to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities and overcome the challenges enabled by ever-increasing technological change,” Governor Rankin said in the Speech from the Throne delivered on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

The adjustments, he added, will consider the demand for online learning where schools and classrooms must have in place technology-driven standards, redefine the roles and responsibilities of teachers, students, and parents, and address the curriculum changes that are necessary to foster and develop 21st-century skills.

Focus on History and Financial Literacy

“The adjustments to the Act will also include a focus on Virgin Islands History, Civic, and Financial Literacy, which are paramount to the advancement of the individual and the society,” he said.

The Governor added that the Government will also seek to expand and enhance the technical and vocational skills programmes to increase the pool of skilled workers and strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of current and future generations of Virgin Islanders.

“While the Members of the House deliberate the Education Act, the Ministry of Education will seek to put in place several policies such as the Early Childhood Education policy, the Special Education Policy, Promotion, Placement and Retention Policy, Graduation Requirements, S.T.E.A.M. policy,” he added.

Governor Rankin said the Government will also put in place a Curriculum policy and update the Discipline policy along with a Student Code of Conduct that focuses on values, relationships, and skill-building.

The Speech from the Throne, traditionally delivered by the Governor, is written by the Premier and his Government and sets out the Administration’s legislative agenda for the year.