At a recent gathering in the U.S. Virgin Islands, experts from various U.S. territories discussed the significant educational challenges they face due to their colonial relationship with the United States. This forum, sponsored by Right to Democracy, the Radical Education & Advocacy League, and WTJX, addressed the systemic issues hindering educational progress across these regions.

Jessica Samuel, co-founder of the Radical Education and Advocacy League in the USVI, identified three critical areas of concern: infrastructure, curriculum, and quality of life. She emphasized the bureaucratic hurdles stemming from the territories’ complicated ties with the federal government and pointed out the lingering infrastructural damages from the 2017 hurricanes that still affect students today. Samuel stressed the necessity for a curriculum that incorporates local history and culture, which she believes is currently lacking due to the territories’ “colonial predicament.”

Furthermore, Samuel highlighted the profound impact of poverty on educational success, noting a direct correlation between poverty levels and the quality of education accessible to students, particularly in the USVI where a third of children live below the poverty line.

Georgina Candal-Segurola, representing Puerto Rico, discussed corruption issues and the U.S. Department of Education’s inadequate oversight, which she feels has contributed to persistent poor conditions in education on the island. Despite federal efforts to reform, she reported local resistance, particularly in decentralizing the Puerto Rico Department of Education, has hindered progress.

Panelists from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands voiced concerns about the U.S.-centric curriculums that overshadow local knowledge and identity. Leila Staffler, secretary of Labor in NMI, criticized how educational systems encourage familiarity with American geography over local culture, which she believes undermines local identity and sustains political status quos.

Donna L. Enguerra-Simpson from American Samoa touched on the emotional and cultural impacts of prioritizing English over native languages in educational settings. Despite similar attempts in Puerto Rico, Spanish has remained prevalent, serving as a cultural stronghold against such policies.

In conclusion, the panelists collectively called for a reassessment of the legislative frameworks governing education in the territories. Ms. Samuel advocated for clarity in educational policies and statutes to ensure they are streamlined and reflective of current best practices, aiming to enhance the quality and relevance of education in the territories.

During its 60th Commencement Ceremony, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) conferred an honorary degree upon Caroline Fawkes, renowned for her pioneering achievements in aviation and her role as the territory’s supervisor of elections. The event took place at the Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix on Friday.

Caroline Fawkes made history in 1985 by becoming the first female Virgin Islander to earn her pilot’s wings and subsequently served as the first female state Army aviation officer in the National Guard. At the ceremony, she was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, her fourth degree from UVI, adding to her previous associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees earned at the same institution.

UVI President Dr. David Hall, overseeing his final commencement before retirement, commended Ms. Fawkes for her “excellence and unwavering dedication to public service.” He highlighted her leadership since 2013 in overseeing the VI election system, where she introduced several significant reforms and innovations. Dr. Hall reflected on her legacy as a “testament to dedication and determination.”

The commencement also celebrated the achievements of the class of 2024, particularly noting their contributions to filling critical gaps in the local healthcare sector, exacerbated by the pandemic. The ceremony spotlighted nursing graduates and lauded Doreen Davis, who had postponed her studies years earlier to support her children’s education at UVI. Returning to complete her journey, Ms. Davis, alongside her classmates, marked the fulfillment of her personal mission by receiving her degree.

Class speaker Nadeje Barber, who enriched her educational experience through a semester in Denmark and internships in Washington D.C., inspired her peers with a call to persevere and strive for excellence. She emphasized, “The world awaits your talents, your intentions, passion, and contributions,” encouraging her classmates to view challenges as opportunities for growth while prioritizing their health and well-being.

The ceremony was not only a celebration for the graduates but also marked a significant transition in UVI’s leadership, with President Hall handing over the reins after a tenure filled with growth and the introduction of innovative programs. As the university bids a fond farewell to President Hall, it also continues to honor the impactful contributions of alumni like Caroline Fawkes, whose illustrious career continues to inspire.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Moot Court Competition hosted by the Virgin Islands Bar Association, a pivotal event that fosters critical thinking among local high school students. The 2023 edition saw participation from nineteen teams across nine schools, engaging in spirited legal debates through three rounds of competition.

The competition began with the first qualifying rounds on April 9, leading to the District Rounds on April 16. All five teams from St. Croix secured spots in the finals, alongside the top five teams from the St. Thomas-St. John district. Scholarships ranging from $250 to $500 were awarded to the district’s four best oralists, while the top three teams received team prizes from $150 to $500, divided equally among members.

In the championship round on April 18, Charlotte Amalie High School’s Shaynèe Cherival and Kemiah Solomon were declared the champions. They were closely followed by the Antilles School team of Angeline Nairns and Priaya Giyanani, and Amaya Hamilton and Ameer Norman from St. Croix Central High School, who took second and third places respectively. The team from Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School rounded out the top four.

The top four teams received scholarships between $675 and $1500. Additionally, individual accolades went to the best oralists, with Rosalie Faulkner from St. Thomas 7th Day Academy taking the top spot, followed by Angeline Nairns and Robert Petersen, who received scholarships of $1,250, $925, and $750 respectively.

Adam Thorp from the Bar Association’s moot court planning committee emphasized that the competition is not solely for aspiring lawyers. He noted that while many participants aim for a legal career, a significant portion—approximately 40%—do not envision practicing law in the future.

Adriane Dudley, Treasurer of the VI Bar Association Board of Governors, spoke on the broader benefits of the moot court experience during her address at the St. Thomas-St. John-Water Island District Round. She highlighted how the skills developed in these competitions equip participants to effectively respond to challenges in any professional context.

Notably, moot court alumni have successfully transitioned to impactful legal careers. This includes figures such as Superior Court Magistrate Ernest Morris and Schneider Regional Medical Center General Counsel Su-layne Walker, a previous Best Oralist. Attorney Rhea Lawrence, initially aspiring to be a doctor, credited her career pivot to law to her experience in moot court, which sparked her interest in legal advocacy.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. also addressed the competitors, underscoring the competition’s role in nurturing adept public speakers and debaters crucial for fostering healthy, fact-based public discourse in the Virgin Islands.