Midterm Special Report (Part 5 of 5)

INSIDE:

Year in Review

Thursday, December 19, 2013 |

SPECIAL REPORT: MIDTERM, PART 5 OF 5

INSIDE:

Holiday Gift Guide

The light that comes from wisdom never goes out.

| bvibeacon.com | 50 cents

HOA tables first three-year fiscal plan

THE GIVING SEASON

Walwyn recounts successes, struggles

Interim funding passed; budget address pushed to ’14

By CHRYSTALL KANYUCK ckanyuck@bvibeacon.com

Opponents critical of his claims

Lawmakers looked at short-term and medium-term financing for the territory Tuesday, tabling a Medium Term Fiscal Plan that covers 2014-2016 and approving a $110 million interim appropriation to cover the bills into 2014 until the full annual budget can be debated and passed.

Generating more revenue and spending more efficiently over the next three years will lead to an overall fiscal surplus of $13.57 million by 2016, according to the Medium Term Fiscal Plan.

The 44-page plan, which sets out government priorities and fiscal strategies from 2014 to 2016, includes a fiscal review, a

By ERIC VOORHIS evoorhis@bvibeacon.com During the election campaign leading up to his November 2011 victory, Myron Walwyn said he wanted to reach out to the youths in the territory he hoped to govern.

The first-time candidate used Facebook to engage in public discussions, and came up with an approachable campaign slogan that helped spur the development of a group of more than 70 young voters called “Youth for Walwyn.”

“When I go around, especially the kids say, ‘Hi Myron, Leh we do dis ting,’” Mr. Walwyn said in a 2011 interview. “From that per-

HOA see page 21

Crime Stoppers missing momentum

Midterm see page 32

Volunteers cite dearth of funds, support

By JASON SMITH jsmith@bvibeacon.com

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Beacon Business..........................10 Vol. 29 No. 25 • 2 sections, 68 pages Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands © 2013, The BVI BEACON

Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCK Children play “pass the present” at the police Christmas party Saturday at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. See story on page 19.

Since the tip hotline Crime Stoppers was introduced in the crime-ridden United States Virgin Islands five years ago, phones at the group’s mainland call centres have been ringing off the hook with tips from the US territory.

The group’s simple formula — allow witnesses to indirectly supply law enforcement with anonymous, untraceable tips in exchange for rewards — has been much

Sluggish see page 25

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Midterm

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spective, I think we are very successful in terms of getting people to know who I am and what my candidacy is all about.”

Mr. Walwyn won an at-large seat by a comfortable margin on Nov. 7, 2011, helping bring the National Democratic Party back to power after four years in the opposition.

Exactly two years later, he sent out a mass e-mail thanking constituents for their continued support at the mark of the mid-term.

“We have done a lot in two short years!” touted Mr. Walwyn, who was appointed minister of education and culture shortly after the election. “The people of the Virgin Islands gave me the opportunity to represent them in public office and it continues to be an honour for me to work in the best interest of my fellow Virgin Islanders.”

What followed was a list of items the minister considers accomplishments, broken up into separate categories, including education and youth affairs; Virgin Islands culture; maintenance of schools; and sports and recreation.

But others are sceptical of the minister’s claims, and some members of the opposition say Mr. Walwyn has taken far too much credit for programmes and projects that were already in motion when he took office.

Differing opinions

In an October interview in his office in the Central Administration Building, Mr. Walwyn spoke about his ministry’s effort to develop the library and resource centre at Elmore Stoutt High School.

But opponents say he may be taking too much credit.

Standing outside the House of Assembly building on Tuesday afternoon, former Education and Culture Minister Andrew Fahie (R-D1) said the school library was a perfect example of Mr. Walwyn riding the coattails of a project that began when the Virgin Islands Party was in office.

“The ministry has a drive to get new and improved things done in education, and I applaud the minister’s energy,” Mr. Fahie said. “However, I do not condone his continuous attempts, in his many speeches and actions, to disregard the history and legacy

Midterm see page 33

Special Report

2011 ELECTION PLEDGES: EDUCATION NEW HIGH SCHOOL YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Design and build a state-of-the-art secondary school on Tortola.

The plan was on the table for discussion, but a decision was made to end the project due to budget constraints, Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn said in a recent interview. It would have cost $750,000 to complete the plans alone, he added: “I thought it was a waste of money. At this point that money could have been invested in improving the schools, and the quality of the schools.” Mr. Walwyn said officials now plan to improve the existing Elmore Stoutt High School and examine its layout. In 2006, the former National Democratic Party-led government announced plans to build a new high school in Paraquita Bay. But after the August 2007 election that returned the Virgin Islands Party to power, the new government announced plans to build a new school at the site of the existing ESHS.

ACCREDITATION: PRIMARYANDSECONDARYSCHOOLS YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Commence work on the accreditation of the primary and secondary schools.

Full accreditation isn’t going to happen any time soon, but work toward that goal is in progress, according to Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn. “As we do things to improve the system [in general] we will be simultaneously working toward accreditation,” he said of primary schools. Steps taken at the Elmore Stoutt High School include the development of a library and resource centre. The accreditation process was started in 2008, when a team of officials from the Ministry and Department of Education met with representatives of the United States-based Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

ACCREDITATION: HLSCC YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Push to complete the accreditation programmes at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

According to Mr. Walwyn, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is well on its way to becoming accredited: “They’re candidates now for accreditation — they will get it,” he said. “I can’t say when it will happen, but it will happen soon.” The college’s accreditation process began in 2006 after the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools certified that it met 14 prerequisites for eligibility.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Where applicable, utilise the data from the capital improvement study to guide the commencement of design, development, funding and construction phases for new schools in the territory.

No new schools are planned in the immediate future, according to Mr. Walwyn. Government made a $2 million investment on repairs to schools in the territory and has made some improvements, including a new roof at Enid Scatliffe Pre-primary School, a new bus stand at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, and repairs at Bregado Flax Educational Centre, the minister said.

VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Offer incentive programmes for participants in secondary trade programmes, including job placement, scholarship and internship opportunities that allow them to enhance their skills in the trade.

There have been successful recruits of students for the HLSCC and Ministry of Education and Culture apprenticeship programmes, and local businesses have been open to internship opportunities, according to Mr. Walwyn.

DISABILITIES YES

NO

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMES

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Collaborate with non-government organisations and the private sector to deliver programmes to address the needs of the “differently-abled.”

The ministry has continued to place emphasis on improving conditions and services for students with disabilities, and has met with local organisations such as the Parents and Caregivers of Children with Special Needs. Funding and scholarships have also been made available to help students enrol in programmes abroad. According to Mr. Walwyn, however, the school system still needs drastic improvement in this area.

CURRICULUM REVIEW YES

NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Review the National Curriculum for currency, relevance, and teacher training and improvement needs, and improve where necessary.

The curriculum is currently under review, and curriculums for some subjects have been tweaked, according to the minister. However, the National Curriculum Project, which started in 2004 under the former NDP government after the passage of a new Education Act, was brought to an end. Mr. Walwyn said he plans to develop a curriculum unit in the Education Department to continue the work.

“The curriculum is something that continues to evolve,” he said.

TEEN CENTRE

YES

NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Develop plans for a teen centre.

No centre has been developed, but Mr. Walwyn said government’s relationship with the Youth Empowerment Project, which has a centre in East End, continues to improve.

YOUTH COUNCIL

YES

NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Establish a “National Youth Council” to ensure that youths in the territory are being heard and assisted to the best of the government’s ability.

No youth council has been established, though officials are still considering it, according to the Ministry of Education. A National Youth Policy is also in the works.

YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Review and improve after-school programmes. “This includes encouraging softball teams and basketball teams to recruit secondary school youth through try-outs; [creating] matches and competitions to encourage less popular sports such as tennis, gymnastics and field hockey; and building an Olympic swimming pool.”

While some after-school programmes long have been in existence on Tortola, Mr. Walwyn said his ministry started similar initiatives on Virgin Gorda and other sister islands. He also hopes to have the basketball court in The Valley, VG, covered “in a matter of months,” he said. Mr. Walwyn acknowledged the interest in swimming and other less popular sports, but said government has no plans of building an Olympic swimming pool.

YOUTH PRISON REHABILITATION YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: To prepare and rehabilitate youthful offenders in the justice system before they re-enter society.

In recent years, there has been progress in terms of prison rehabilitation with the recent completion of a five-year strategic plan. As in the past, inmates including youthful offenders are offered skills programmes, such as auto mechanics and carpentry, and a number of other services, including group therapy and anger management.

HLSCC TUITION REVIEW

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Review the “free tuition” programme at HLSCC to ensure that it is working as intended.

The previous NDP government initiated a programme that offers free tuition to belongers and naturalised citizens who attend HLSCC. Mr. Walwyn said this issue has come up, particularly when HLSCC’s subvention was cut by ten percent in the 2013 budget.

However, the programme is still in place, and there are no immediate plans to change it, he added.

LIBRARY NETWORK YES

NO

PARTIAL

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Make available scholarships to talented nationals in the fields of art, drama, music, literature and dance.

While the Scholarship Trust Fund Board doesn’t list art, drama, music, literature or dance as eligible fields of study to receive scholarships, those fields are encouraged in other ways, such as the Emerging Fellow Award, according to Mr. Walwyn.

CITIZEN SERVICE YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Create a six-week national programme for all school leavers that fosters community involvement and personal development.

A National Citizen Service programme has started, according to Mr. Walwyn: Fourth form students are now required to do 120 hours of community service before graduating.

PLEDGE: Create a public library system anchored by a fully integrated computer network.

In 2012, the Library Services Department launched a new automated system and online catalogue.

APPRENTICESHIPS

YES

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Work with businesses and industry leaders to encourage youths in the territory to develop their skills through apprenticeships, internships and attachments.

There has been successful recruitment of youths for HLSCC Apprentice Programme, Mr. Walwyn said. The programme, he added, often works well for students enrolled at the Technical Vocational Institute.

PLEDGE: Increase funding for public libraries Due to budget constraints, no additional funding has been provided to public libraries, but Mr. Walwyn said improving the system is a priority for government. “The problem is that the library has outgrown the space it’s in,” he said.

INCREASE LIBRARY FUNDING NO

PARTIAL

Special Report

2011 ELECTION PLEDGES: EDUCATION CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING

YES

NO

PARTIAL

HOSPITALITY TRAINING

PLEDGE: Create a national policy on customer service. This would include customer service training as a requirement to graduate HLSCC. No such policy has been developed. However, a tourism course has been added to the curriculum for high school students, and HLSCC continues to offer courses in hotel and food and beverage management as it has in the past.

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Develop a first-class hospitality training centre with an international affiliation through HLSCC and located at Prospect Reef.

While the college does offer courses in hospitality, there is no international affiliation to date. A culinary arts centre opened at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay campus in October 2012. Premier Dr. Orlando Smith recently announced plans for $100 million to be invested in Prospect Reef Resort.

ASSESS PRIVATE SCHOOLS

CITY AND GUILDS

YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Assist private and parochial schools with attaining the standards consistent with other schools in the territory.

While the school system as a whole is constantly being assessed as new policies are put forward, Mr. Walwyn said there hasn’t been specific emphasis placed on assessing private schools.

EDUCATOR INCENTIVES

YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Develop recognition and reward projects for students and educators. Review educators’ employment packages with a view toward improvement where possible.

Government continues to consider ways to make the teaching profession more attractive, according to Mr. Walwyn. “We need to make sure we have the best teachers instructing our children,” he said. “So we need to make sure the profession continues to be attractive to get the best and brightest minds to come in.” The minister added that he hopes to see improvements in salary and packages “over the next year.”

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Further develop trade and technical programmes at HLSCC “to enable students to get City and Guilds certification in each subject area.”

Some teachers in vocational education have received training courses from City and Guilds, one of the leading international training organisations. Mr. Walwyn said the Education Department will continue to work with the organisation.

RENEWABLE ENERGY TRAINING

YES

NO

PARTIAL

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Measure the Virgin Islands’ educational performance against international standards such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.

This goal is still being considered, along with keeping in step with the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, according to Mr. Walwyn. However, not much work has been done toward the goals at this point, he said.

TOURISM EDUCATION

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Dialogue with educators about establishing tourism education at the primary and secondary levels.

A course in tourism has been introduced in public high schools, along with a course on VI history and financial services.

FINANCIAL SERVICES JOBS READINESS

YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Develop a national policy aimed at preparing Virgin Islands natives to enter jobs in the financial services sector.

No national policy has been introduced, but the course and textbook were designed to meet this end, according to Mr. Walwyn.

MUSIC STUDIO

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Develop a music studio for students who are interested in careers in the music industry.

Government has not developed a publicly funded music studio.

The BVI Beacon | Thursday, December 19, 2013

Midterm from page 32 of hard work over the years.”

Mr. Fahie said the foundation of other initiatives, such as the development of the Technical Vocational Institute in Baughers Bay and steps toward accreditation in the school system, had also been well established.

“Anyone who behaves as if history began when they took office is not engaged in actions that really unite this territory,” Mr. Fahie said.

Mr. Walwyn, however, stands firmly behind the initiatives he said his ministry has worked hard to accomplish.

“It’s a difficult time to govern right now,” he said, during the Oct. 18 interview. “We’re heavily dependent on what happens in the [United States] and so forth. And I know they’re having their share of problems, which we’re not immune to. But I think we have done well considering all things. In the ministry, we have made good decisions. We’ve done a lot, I believe, in two years.”

Like many politicians these days, Mr. Walwyn has remained active on social media sites, often posting news, personal messages and photos, and engaging in conversations with residents.

On Nov. 26, he posted a long message on Facebook encouraging parents to maintain a strong foundation of values in the age of the iPad, television and Internet: “More than ever our children need our presence, and they still need that firm hand to guide them along life’s journey.”

He signed the post, “VI, leh we do dis ting, for all of our children.”

International exams

PLEDGE: Through HLSCC, commence the training of no less than 10 Virgin Islanders in various aspects of renewable energy.

HLSCC offers courses in renewable energy through its marine centre and has been working with local organisations such as Green VI and the BVI Electricity Corporation.

FINANCIAL SERVICES EDUCATION YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Add financial services to the curriculum with “special emphasis attention on designing an appropriate curriculum for varying levels, especially at the secondary and tertiary levels.”

A course on financial services has been introduced in the high school curriculum, along with the launch of a textbook to help assist teachers and students in the course.

Some of his initiatives, he has claimed, are designed to help bring the education system in line with international standards.

For example, current fifth formers at Elmore Stoutt High School will be the first class required to take tests hosted by the Caribbean Examinations Council, a policy imposed by Mr. Walwyn that has drawn some criticism from members of the public and the opposition.

At the beginning of the school year, he announced that the CXCs would be added as a graduation requirement along with the secondary school leaving exams.

“Government is convinced that this new policy will positively impact the academic and professional prospects for our students,” Mr. Walwyn said at the time.

In October, he said he stands behind the decision.

“Basically, we’ve been having students who have been questioned

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about the merits of their high school education,” Mr. Walwyn said, adding that the CXCs are relevant both regionally and internationally. “We’ve had students who have had difficulties going on to college, and this is recognised internationally.”

The CXC was first established in 1972 by participating members of the Caribbean Community.

This month, a panel discussion on the topic of CXC was held at the ESHS campus during a Caribbean-wide celebration of the council’s 40th anniversary. “[The exams have] established the foundation for culturally appropriate education, which is helping to shape the future of this region,” MEC Education Officer Connie George said at the time.

On Tuesday, Mr. Fahie acknowledged the importance of the exams, but said the decision to make them mandatory for all students was too rigid and abrupt.

“This has to be done in phases, because you have students now in different levels who may not be CXC material,” he said. “Do I think that our children can pass once they’re prepared? The answer is yes. But we have to prepare them first.”

Accreditation

In Mr. Fahie’s view, the CXC exams shouldn’t be the only tool to measure students’ progress during 12 years of education.

For this reason, he said, his government started a process in 2008 to have primary and secondary schools internationally accredited through the United States-based Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Upon coming into office, the NDP pledged to continue efforts to get the territory’s primary and secondary schools accredited.

“The idea is to have your system accredited by each grade level, so you can pick up on any weaknesses of your students or teachers from lower down and strengthen it,” Mr. Fahie said. “I do not think it was given enough emphasis in the last two years.”

In January, Chief Education Officer Jillian Douglas-Phillips told lawmakers during the Standing Finance Committee deliberations that the secondary school’s accreditation process was “well under way.”

Mr. Walwyn, however, said in October that it’s a long process, and will take time as the school system improves as a whole.

“All the things we’re doing with education — with CXC, improving assessment of students, raising standards, maintenance work — they’re all things we would still have to do,” he said. “But they certainly help to

Midterm see page 34

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Midterm from page 33 achieve accreditation.”

While accreditation of primary and secondary schools may be far on the horizon, HLSCC is well on its way, according to officials. A self-study analysis that is now under way is one of its final steps to becoming accredited.

“They’re candidates now for accreditation and they will get it,” Mr. Walwyn said. “I’m not worried about that.”

New school

In 2006, the former NDP-led government announced plans to build a new high school for the territory in eastern Tortola.

In March 2007, then-Chief Minister Dr. Orlando Smith told the House of Assembly that government had decided the second high school would be built in Paraquita Bay. Soon, plans had been drafted.

Then, in August of that year, the VIP returned to power and plans for the new school were called off.

Later, Mr. Fahie, who was education and culture minister at the time, said government hoped to have the $1,624,174 plans adjusted for use in Road Town. In May 2009, Mr. Fahie revealed that government was in discussions with contractor STO Enterprise to build the new school at the existing ESHS campus.

But in May 2011, Mr Fahie said at a town hall meeting for the Fourth District that the plans for the new high school were still being adjusted. He added that all but the newest buildings on campus would be replaced and that construction would happen in phases so students could continue attending classes.

Revisiting plans to build a new school in Paraquita Bay was on the table for discussion when the NDP came back into power.

However, Mr. Walwyn said recently that those plans had been suspended due to budget constraints, and instead work would go toward improving the current ESHS campus.

“What I’ve suggested is taking a taking a closer look at Elmore Stoutt and seeing if it could be laid out differently,” the minister said in October. “Elmore Stoutt has a big campus, but it’s all spread out. There are a lot of old

Midterm see page 35

2011 ELECTION PLEDGES: SPORTS

Special Report

2011 ELECTION PLEDGES: CULTURE CULTURE POLICY YES

SPORTS POLICY

NO

PARTIAL

EXHIBITIONS YES

NO

PARTIAL

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Create a National Sports Policy.

A National Sports Policy was adopted by the House of Assembly in October. The policy aims to guide the principles for all sporting activities in the territory.

SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Recognise that the government and the various national sports associations must seek out and create training opportunities for administrators, physical educators, officials, sports medicine personnel, coaches and athletes.

The National Sports Policy will help guide such initiatives, according to Mr. Walwyn. Also in development is a National Sports Council, which he said will help to advise government on sporting activities in the territory.

SPORTS FACILITIES YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Create a policy to ensure cultural preservation and encourage appreciation of diversity.

A National Culture Policy has been adopted by the House of Assembly. The goal of the policy focuses on fostering and supporting different aspects of VI culture such as artists, organisations, activities and cultural institutions, Mr. Walwyn told the HOA in November.

CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Commence work towards the establishment of the following key cultural institutions: national library; national museum; and a national centre for the performing arts.

These facilities aren’t in the budget right now, Mr. Walwyn said. However, he added that he does consider them a priority. Plans for a new library were drawn up when the NDP was last in government, but there haven’t been any further developments since then. “I’d be happy to start it soon,” Mr. Walwyn said of building a national library. “But I don’t think it will be completed in this term.”

CULTURAL PROPERTY LAW YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Pass a preservation-of-antiquities law to ensure “that all cultural property be recognised, classified and registered.”

This law has not been tabled in the House of Assembly to date.

PLEDGE: Mount at least three annual exhibitions on “some aspect of our heritage and culture,” and continue art exhibitions at the BVI London Office.

The BVI London Office continues to hold an annual art and culture show featuring VI artists. As in the past, cultural exhibitions are frequently held in the territory’s museums.

HISTORIC SITES YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Work on preserving and restoring historic sites on all islands while promoting their importance as part of a tourism strategy.

A decision was made during the last budget session to have historical sites fall under the Premier’s Office, according to Mr. Walwyn. The Ministry of Education and Culture has done little work to preserve or restore them.

The Premier’s Office announced its commitment to conserving historical attractions and donated $15,000 in 2012 to help stabilise the St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Kingstown. Preservation advocates, however, say that much more needs to be done to restore and preserve the many neglected historic sites in the territory.

NATIONAL HEROES YES

NO

PARTIAL

CULTURAL COMMISSION PLEDGE: Develop functional and wellequipped sporting facilities in communities throughout the territory. “These include baseball fields, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.”

Government has actively maintained and opened new sports facilities, including the recent development of Walters Recreational Park in Virgin Gorda, the completion of Greenland Field, and improvements to the Belle Vue Gym.

INT’L SPORTS EVENTS YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Encourage national sports associations to submit bids to host regional and international events such as meetings, seminars, courses, camps and competitions.

Besides the new National Sports Policy, Mr. Walwyn said a National Sports Council will be established to advise government and promote sports, a mandate that may include making bids for international sports events.

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Establish a cultural commission as an advisory body.

Mr. Walwyn said he was unfamiliar with the goal of establishing an advisory cultural commission. “It’s a good idea,” he said, adding that he didn’t think the promise was in the manifesto.

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Ensure the effective cultural development of the territory at all levels via a partnership with the private sector.

The ministry has placed heavy emphasis on building an appreciation for VI culture. This effort has included the establishment of a territorial song and dress, support of book launches by VI authors, and re-introducing flag-raising ceremonies at schools. A course on VI history and culture also has been established in public high schools.

CULTURAL PROMOTION YES

NO

PARTIAL

PLEDGE: Conserve and promote natural and historical heritage for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Along with the establishment of a territorial song and dress, government has also developed a territorial gift along with territorial signs and symbols.

PLEDGE: Honour national VI heroes through holidays, the naming of national buildings, parks and other facilities.

Among recent steps toward this goal was a re-dedication ceremony at the Stickett in Long Look in August, where portraits of notable community members were added to the walls of the open-air structure.

ORAL HISTORIES YES NO PARTIAL PLEDGE: Promote a programme of recording on audio and video oral histories of the VI and its culture as recalled by seniors, so that their memories, experiences and knowledge can be preserved.

No such initiative has been undertaken by government to date.

The BVI Beacon | Thursday, December 19, 2013

Special Report Midterm from page 34 buildings, and the space could be used more effectively.”

‘Out of the shadows’

Since kicking off his candidacy for at-large representative in April 2011, Mr. Walwyn has been outspoken about the rights of those with disabilities living in the territory.

“I pledge my support as minister of education and culture to do my best to bring the issue of differently-abled citizens out of the shadows,” he said in a speech

that year.

The ministry has continued to make efforts to better assist people with disabilities living in the territory, according to Mr. Walwyn.

The ministry, for the past two years, has placed $200,000 in the budget specifically to support the effort, he said.

Other new developments include collaboration with the Hertfordshire County Council. The ministry also has given several scholarships to assist students leaving the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre.

“The whole thing still needs

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improvement, to be honest,” Mr. Walwyn said. “We’re getting a unit in the ministry together that will be responsible for special needs.”

Mr. Walwyn said he has also met with the Parents and Guardians of Children with Special Needs, a local organisation. But the group’s president, Einstein Samuel, said Tuesday there hasn’t been a meeting for a long time.

“I do speak to the minister every now and then, and I believe bit-by-bit he’s trying to make a difference,” she said, adding that there needs to be more emphasis on early intervention of problems like autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, and learning disabilities.

Mr. Walwyn has expressed the same sentiment.

“With something like ADHD — we don’t pay enough attention to it,” he said. “There needs to be more training to recognise it early.”

In October, VI teachers received some training to recog-

nise students who need special education. A session led by Dr. June Samuel, chief of medical staff at Peebles Hospital, and Dr. Dara Hamilton, a clinical psychologist from the USVI, focused specifically on identifying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to government.

Despite some progress, however, Ms. Samuel added that the territory is still in desperate need of a sound policy or legislation to protect members of the community who have disabilities.

“I would never be satisfied until some real action is actually taken,” she said. “But I am mindful that small improvements are coming.”

Culture

Sitting in his office overlooking Road Harbour in October, Mr. Walwyn reached toward a shelf behind his desk and picked up a miniature steel pan he received from government officials in Trinidad last year.

“This is their national gift,” he said.

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Improving the appreciation and preservation of VI culture has been another high priority for Mr. Walwyn and the MEC, with the introduction of a territorial song, dress and gift — a small wooden sailboat designed after the Tortola sloop.

“Some may think it’s not important, but you want to influence the views of persons about your territory,” he said.

“You want people to know what you’re about.”

When Mr. Walwyn e-mailed constituents a midterm update on Nov. 7, at the very top of the list was a pet project of his that has school children singing the territorial song each morning.

“The pride radiates from people when they sing it,” he said of “Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands,” which was composed by brother and sister team Kareem-Nelson and Ayana Hull.

“It’s all geared toward developing a greater love for the country, and the words themselves tell a story of the direction we’d like to see the country go.”