The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports concluded Innovation Week 2026 with the fourth annual Inter-School Chess Tournament, following five days of activities designed to strengthen scientific inquiry, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving among students and educators across the Virgin Islands.

Held from November 2 to 6 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre under the theme “Young Minds. Big Questions. Bold Solutions.”, the initiative brought together primary and secondary school students and teachers for hands-on scientific investigations, professional development and competitive chess.

The week commenced with THINK IT!, where primary school students in Grades 4 to 6 participated in scientific mysteries, observation challenges and hands-on investigations designed to encourage curiosity and discovery.

Secondary school students in Grades 7 to 11 took centre stage on Tuesday during TEST IT!, engaging in crime scene investigations, experimental design, evidence analysis and activities that challenged them to develop solutions to everyday problems.

On Wednesday, educators participated in TRANSFORM IT!, a professional development workshop focused on strengthening scientific instruction. Teachers explored practical strategies for guiding students through investigations, developing testable questions and improving the quality of future Science Fair projects.

The week's activities concluded with the fourth annual Inter-School Chess Tournament on November 5 and 6, where students demonstrated strategic thinking, concentration, discipline and sportsmanship.

This year's tournament marked a milestone with the official introduction of primary school competitors, providing younger students with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their chess skills alongside the Territory's secondary school players.

Elmore Stoutt High School emerged victorious in both the Junior and Senior School Divisions. The Senior Division concluded with a closely contested tiebreaker between Elmore Stoutt High School and Bregado Flax Educational Centre. Bregado Flax Educational Centre placed second in both divisions, while St. George's Secondary School secured third place in the Senior Division and Claudia Creque Educational Centre placed third in the Junior Division.

During the closing ceremony, Education Officer for Science and Physical Education, Ms. Renee Weston-Caines, expressed pride in the students' achievements and acknowledged the contributions of those who supported the week's activities. “From our youngest primary school competitors to our more experienced secondary school players, the level of talent, determination, and intellectual engagement has been truly inspiring,” Ms. Weston-Caines stated. She encouraged students to recognise the value of their participation, regardless of whether they received an award. “To those who emerge victorious, congratulations. And to those who may not have walked away with a trophy or medal, remember that every match played, every challenge faced, and every lesson learned is a victory in itself,” she said.

Ms. Weston-Caines also welcomed Agape Total Life Academy and BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, which participated in the chess tournament for the first time. She expressed appreciation to the teachers, coaches, judges, volunteers and participating schools, as well as the Virgin Islands Chess Federation, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Guana Fund and other supporting organisations for their contributions to the initiative.

Reflecting on the connection between the week's scientific activities and the chess tournament, Ms. Weston-Caines noted that both encouraged students to think critically, investigate carefully and seek solutions to challenges.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports commends all participating students and educators for their enthusiasm and dedication throughout Innovation Week 2026 and remains committed to fostering learning experiences that strengthen innovation, collaboration and intellectual development across the Territory.