Education
UVI Masters in Social Work Program Achieves Renowned Accreditation Status

In a recent announcement, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) proudly disclosed that their prestigious Master of Social Work Program has been granted full accreditation. This accolade was conferred upon them by the esteemed Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board on Accreditation, a nationally recognized body in the higher education domain.
This achievement was not a product of a fleeting endeavor. UVI’s program underwent a rigorous evaluation process spanning half a decade. This process meticulously examined aspects such as stakeholder evaluations, faculty enlistment strategies, comprehensive outcomes assessment, and a series of in-depth internal and external analyses. The outcome? The Master of Social Work Program didn’t just meet but, in certain criteria, exceeded the high standards set by the CSWE.
This remarkable accomplishment did not go unnoticed. UVI’s President, Dr. David Hall, was vocal in praising the relentless drive and unwavering dedication exhibited by the faculty, administrative personnel, and the legislative body. In his words, this success is a testament to UVI’s devotion to sculpting an interactive learning ecosystem. This environment is pivotal in preparing the next generation of social workers to make impactful contributions to diverse populations.
Taking the discussion further, Dr. Kimarie Engerman, who is at the helm of UVI’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, accentuated the program’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Not just that, the innovative curricula and the program’s emphasis on creating socially-aware professionals are remarkable. These professionals are adept at catering to specific community challenges, especially those prevalent in the Caribbean domain.
One cannot overlook the vision of the former Senator Kurt Vialet in this journey. In addition to him, Dr. Engerman conveyed heartfelt gratitude to UVI Hall, Dr. Camille McKayle, the University’s Provost, and the myriad faculty and staff. Their collective endeavors were instrumental in steering the program to its current pinnacle of success.
The essence of UVI’s program lies in its approach and focus. Offered across both the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, the program instills in its students a holistic understanding of trauma-informed practices, viewed through the lens of Caribbean culture. This focus is particularly critical given the historical challenges faced by the region, from natural disasters leading to intergenerational trauma to the struggles of adverse childhood experiences.
With a specific concentration on pivotal social establishments, for instance, child welfare, the program understands and addresses the distinct requirements of the Caribbean diaspora. Students are thus presented with a bespoke route to engage with youth, children, and families across diverse social service platforms. The program champions the honing of problem-solving prowess and fortifies theoretical learning with hands-on fieldwork experiences.
While the MSW Program doesn’t serve as a direct ticket to licensing, it lays a strong academic groundwork that grooms students for licensure examinations in the U.S and beyond. For instance, Lashonette Schang, a member of the Class of 2022, sailed through the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam, earning licensure in the VI territory.
It’s noteworthy to mention that a degree, be it a bachelor’s or master’s in social work from a CSWE-endorsed program, paves the way for licensure in a majority of states. The blended learning model of UVI’s program, a seamless mix of video conferencing and direct classroom interactions, ensures that students get the best of both worlds – convenience and depth.
CSWE, the accrediting body, is committed to championing the twin pillars of innovation and excellence in the realm of social work education. With a mission to uplift teaching quality, drive research, and bolster member institutions, the CSWE’s Board of Accreditation is duly recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. This recognition empowers them to bestow accreditation statuses to social work degree programs, both at the baccalaureate and master’s level, across the United States and its territories.
Education
The Denis Sullivan Schooner: A Beacon of Learning Returns to Christiansted Harbor for Its 18th Season

The historic schooner Denis Sullivan is set to make its grand return to Christiansted Harbor this Sunday, marking the 18th season of World Ocean School’s enriching educational programs in St. Croix. Eden Leonard, President and Executive Director of World Ocean School, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasizing the strong community support in St. Croix and the exciting opportunities awaiting the students.
St. Croix has been a vital part of World Ocean School’s history, a relationship that spans 18 years, initially with the Schooner Roseway. While the Roseway, a revered National Historic Landmark, undergoes extensive preservation in Mystic, CT, the Denis Sullivan has seamlessly stepped in. In 2022, the Denis Sullivan successfully hosted over 230 students in immersive multi-day educational programs and delighted over 1500 passengers with sunset and harbor sails.
This season, the Denis Sullivan aims to replicate its previous success, focusing on engaging St. Croix’s public school students. The onboard programs blend practical maritime skills, such as ship maintenance and sail raising, with teamwork and applied learning. The vessel’s crew, known as Deckhand Educators, are ready to embark on this season’s journey, offering hands-on lessons during the voyages. Ms. Leonard expressed her anticipation for the community’s engagement, recalling the warm reception the schooner received last year.
To celebrate its return, the Denis Sullivan will offer welcome sails to the public on November 30 and December 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in Christiansted Harbor. Additionally, sunset sails will be available through March. Proceeds from ticket sales on the World Ocean School’s website will support the educational initiatives on the island. In a gesture of gratitude, past and present students and their families are invited to enjoy these sails at no cost, as announced by the organization’s officials.
Education
St. Croix Students Voice Concerns Over Poor Bathroom Facilities in Schools

In a recent meeting with the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development, students from St. Croix raised serious concerns about the state of their school bathrooms, affecting their daily school life. Alina Poyah, an eighth-grader from Central High School, voiced her distress over the unsanitary conditions, citing dysfunctional toilets and a lack of adequate cleaning staff. She admitted to avoiding the use of these facilities due to their dire state.
Makayla Walcott, another student from John H. Woodson, echoed similar sentiments. She pointed out the lack of basic amenities like paper towels and soap, along with the presence of offensive graffiti, making the environment uncomfortable and unhygienic. Both students highlighted the challenge of finding a usable bathroom on campus, a situation that has led to a boycott of these facilities.
Sophomore Ace Boyer from St. Croix Educational Complex expressed concerns about the suitability of the school as a hurricane shelter, given the poor condition of the washrooms. He detailed issues like broken urinals, lack of lighting, and insufficient sanitary supplies, leading him to avoid using the bathrooms altogether.
The committee chair, Senator Marise James, expressed shock and concern about the health implications of these conditions on students. Following inquiries from Senator Carla Joseph, education officials revealed plans for bathroom repairs at Central High School. However, Territorial Facilities Manager Davidson Charlemagne indicated that the project’s completion would not be immediate. The department’s Acting Insular Superintendent for St. Croix, Dr. Ericilda Ottley Herman, aimed for a 90-day completion target, but the timeline extended to May 2024.
Senator James emphasized the importance of maintenance, drawing comparisons to older historical buildings. Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington addressed the issue in a separate discussion, committing to distribute supplies and restore restroom functionality. She also urged students to discourage vandalism to ensure the longevity of the repairs.
This testimony sheds light on a critical issue affecting the learning environment in St. Croix schools, highlighting the need for prompt and effective action to ensure safe and sanitary conditions for students.
Education
Exploring Solutions to Rising School Violence in the Virgin Islands: Education Officials Weigh Options

The escalating issue of violence in the Virgin Islands’ schools has reached a critical point, as highlighted by Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington during a Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development hearing. The committee, led by Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., delved into various challenges plaguing the public school system, with a specific focus on the increasing incidents of aggression and violence.
Education leaders, including Dr. Ericilda Ottley Herman, the acting insular superintendent for the St. Croix district, acknowledged a distinct rise in aggressive behavior among students. To address this, the Department of Education is exploring various behavioral intervention strategies, including alternatives to traditional suspension methods. Ottley Herman emphasized the importance of integrating behavioral intervention or anger management courses for suspended students and actively involving parents in these efforts.
Addressing mental health issues in students is a key priority, according to Superintendent Ottley Herman. The recognition that many aggressive behaviors stem from underlying trauma has led to a concerted effort to provide comprehensive behavioral support services, in collaboration with the Department of Health. School principals are also being encouraged to develop effective conflict resolution strategies.
In a direct response to the problem, the Education Department is considering regulating the use of cellphones in schools, which, though initially intended as educational tools, have become instrumental in amplifying conflicts. Wells-Hedrington indicated that this shift in policy is aimed at reducing distractions and hazards associated with cellphone misuse.
Enhancing school safety is another critical area of focus. Initiatives include recruiting additional school monitors, especially at the St. Croix Educational Complex, and equipping them with appropriate safety gear. This move comes in response to increasing physical interventions by monitors during violent incidents.
Sen. Diane Capehart praised the proactive steps taken by the Department of Education, while Sen. Kenneth Gittens urged a broader community and familial approach to curbing school violence. Gittens, drawing on his experience as a former police officer, highlighted the need for parental responsibility and control at home as a fundamental step towards ensuring a safer school environment.
The issue of student safety extends beyond physical altercations. Alina Poyah, a student at John H Woodson Junior High School, raised concerns about a February 2023 incident involving a pellet gun, stressing the need for accountability and heightened security measures to prevent such occurrences.
Overall, the Virgin Islands’ educational authorities are actively seeking multifaceted solutions to combat the worrying trend of school violence, recognizing the need for a holistic approach that includes mental health support, parental involvement, and stricter school policies.
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