Over 35 of the Territory’s students studying in the United Kingdom gathered at BVI House where they were encouraged to be ambassadors for the British Virgin Islands in the United Kingdom. 

The students received presentations on leadership in the tourism, shipping registration and legal sectors under the theme, ‘Reppin’ the BVI: Tools for the Ambassadors and Future Leaders of the British Virgin Islands’ at the BVI London Office’s (BVILO) newly branded annual Student Enrichment Programme.

The keynote addresses were delivered by Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron Walwyn, and Barrister at Radcliffe Chambers, and Co-Chair of the BVILO Legal Mentorship Programme, Mr. David di Mambro. 

 Honourable Walwyn told the students, “We in the Virgin Islands are at a critical juncture in our history.  The decisions that we make today will have long lasting effects on the society we will have when we are all older.”

The Education Minister added, “That is why we need all of you to do your very best while at college and university because we need your ideas, your creativity, your talents, and your skills to mold the Virgin Islands into that great Territory that we are destined to become”.

The Minister also encouraged the students to return home after studying and gain experience to make a contribution to the Territory’s development.

The second keynote speaker, Mr. di Mambro, urged the students to be focused in their studies and to prepare themselves to enter the workplace by being thorough in their tasks, delivering good presentations and understanding the value of teamwork.  He said that they should continue in the BVI tradition as a people who have “lifted themselves up.

The students also heard presentations from Manager of the BVI Tourist Board UK Office Ms. Ginny Hawksely, who highlighted the BVI’s main tourism attractions which she said could be shared with friends and associates wishing to know more about the Territory. 

Students also heard from Business Manager at the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry UK Office, Mr. Gerard Kenny who spoke on shipping registry and the opportunities for the BVI in that sector. 

Meanwhile, Psychologist and Counsellor Mrs. Yvonne Hodge-Grant talked with the students about the challenge of adjusting to a new and unfamiliar environment and the steps they could take to adapt and thrive.

Director of the BVI London Office, Mr. Benito Wheatley, said, “We are very pleased with the very high turnout of students who are eager to do their part as ambassadors for the Territory while studying in the UK.  Our presenters did an excellent job and we are particularly grateful to Minister Walwyn for joining us here in the UK to encourage and reassure our students of the government’s support as they matriculate”.

The BVI London Office was established in 2002.  Among its core responsibilities is it serve as a resource and point of contact for students studying in the United Kingdom.