USVI Launches Scholarship Program to Empower Maritime Sector Workforce

The US Virgin Islands are embarking on a strategic initiative to bolster their maritime workforce through the introduction of a new scholarship program, as deliberated by the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance. Championed by Senator Angel Bolques, Bill 35-0133 aims to foster educational opportunities for individuals aspiring to careers in the maritime industry by amending Chapter 17 of the Virgin Islands Code. The initiative, heralded by legislators and educators alike, promises to enrich the territory on multiple fronts.

Educational Scholarship Bill for the Maritime Industry: Key Features

• Guideline Development: The Board of Education is tasked with formulating guidelines, application procedures, and criteria for scholarship selection and fund allocation.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a Virgin Islands resident.
  • A keen interest in maritime career paths.
  • Open to high school graduates, current college students, or those seeking enrollment in accredited maritime programs.
• Selection Transparency: A fair and transparent selection mechanism will be put in place by the Board of Education.
• Scholarship Provisions:
  • Award amounts up to $10,000 annually.
  • Coverage includes tuition, accommodation, meals, travel, and other academic expenses.
  • Scholarships span up to four years, with funds disbursed following formal acceptance into educational programs.
• Work Commitment: A contractual agreement requires scholarship beneficiaries to serve in the USVI’s maritime sector post-graduation, with non-compliance incurring repayment of the scholarship funds.
• Residency Mandate: Applicants should have USVI residency for at least two years before applying, excluding those temporarily abroad for studies or military service.
• Program Accountability: Annual reporting on program administration and outcomes will be a responsibility of the Board of Education, ensuring transparency and effectiveness.
• Outreach Efforts: The Board will actively promote the scholarship to ensure widespread awareness, with detailed information accessible through its website and other platforms.
• Sustainable Financing: The Legislature will ensure annual funding for the scholarship, ensuring long-term program viability.

Kyza Callwood, chair of the Virgin Islands Board of Education, underscored the scholarship’s critical role in addressing skill shortages, fostering economic development, and ensuring a skilled maritime workforce. This initiative is also poised to enhance maritime safety and prevent incidents. Assistant Education Commissioner Victor Somme III and representatives from the University of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Port Authority echoed these sentiments, highlighting the scholarship’s potential to diversify and strengthen the maritime sector.

The proposed legislation has garnered widespread support, reflecting a collective commitment to revitalizing the maritime industry and contributing to the territory’s Vision 2040 objectives. With the bill moving to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further assessment, the USVI stands on the cusp of creating a robust and diverse maritime workforce, ready to navigate the future with skill and dedication.