Remarks by Hon. Sharie de Castro
Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports
on TVET Day 2025
Theme: Skills Pay the Bills – TVET for a Thriving VI Economy
Date: Tuesday 6^th May 2025

Greetings Virgin Islands,

It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, to officially announce TVET Day 2025, to be celebrated on 6th May under the powerful theme: Skills Pay the Bills – TVET for a Thriving VI Economy.

This is not just a day on the calendar. This is a movement—a moment to lift the veil on the vast and dynamic world of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). TVET is not simply about trades—it is about transformation. It is about providing our people, especially our young people, with the tools, skills, and confidence to build meaningful lives, launch businesses, contribute to our economy, and shape the future of the Virgin Islands.

Too often, TVET has been viewed as a second option. But let me be clear: TVET is not a fallback—it is a forward leap. Whether it is in hospitality, construction, information technology, culinary arts, or renewable energy, TVET equips individuals with real-world skills that are in high demand and that drive real change.

This is why we are placing greater emphasis on TVET—not just as a programme of study, but as a strategic pillar of our education system and our economy. It bridges the gap between learning and earning. It addresses unemployment. It fills skill gaps. It fuels entrepreneurship. And yes—it pays the bills.

Throughout the day, we have a series of interactive events designed to showcase the power and potential of TVET: from open houses where our secondary school students will display their amazing work, to thought-provoking panel discussions exploring the impact of vocational skills in building a sustainable future.

To our educators, thank you. Your commitment, your belief in our students, and your passion for teaching are the heartbeat of TVET. To our students, I encourage you to explore, to ask questions, to try something new. And to our community and industry partners, your support is essential as we work together to align education with the needs of a modern Virgin Islands.

Let us use this day not only to celebrate TVET, but to champion it—boldly, intentionally, and unapologetically.

With that, I am proud to declare the first ever TVET Day—and by extension, TVET Week—officially open.

Let us continue to build the Virgin Islands with skill, purpose, and pride.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Is