186 students graduated from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) yesterday, June 13, 2024. Photo: Youtube

Present at the ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, was Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) who gave a speech to the new graduates on the path forward. Photo: Youtube

A total of 186 students have graduated from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College yesterday June 13, 2024, as part of the class 2024. Photo: HLSCC

Among those present at the ceremony at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, was Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) who gave a speech to the new graduates on the way forward.

“This is a very proud moment for all of us. Our graduates have successfully completed their respective courses of study and achieve academic qualification. This proves their abilities and certifies it in black and white our beloved H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the Board, academic and administrative staff have proven their capabilities for delivering excellence in education and preparing the next generation of Virgin Islanders to carry forward our mission of nation building,” the Premier said in his opening speech.

Education the 'golden key'

He said educating people remains the golden key to building the economy and guaranteeing the success of the territory.

Acknowledging the vision of the late first Chief Minister H. Lavity Stoutt, Dr Wheatley said that golden key has been a part of the ideology of the VI for years.

“You see, when you educate a person, you equip them for success. You help them to become empowered for the future, you expand their prospects, and simultaneously you are also doing the same for the entire society and for our burgeoning country.”

Technology such as AI must be factored - Premier 

He said across generations, the VI people have been on a mission of nation-building. “When we appreciate the value that education plays in helping the individuals and countries to unlock and achieve their potential, the brilliance and appropriateness of this year's graduation theme comes into full focus: Empowering Minds, Limitless Future.”

The Premier added that the Virgin Islands with an educated and empowered population, means its future and possibilities are limited only by how creative and industrious the people are willing to be.

“And may I add that we are living in a very competitive world where technology is constantly pushing the envelope. Therefore, if we want our burgeoning country and our economy to be successful and sustainable, we have to also factor into the equation how we intend to stay ahead of the pack in those competitive areas.”

The Premier said as the VI grows, there are questions about how the territory will respond and adapt to change and how to leverage technology such as using artificial intelligence.

“To all our graduates, congratulations on a job well done. You have worked hard and you deserve to enjoy your moment, but also remember that this is just a milestone and an even greater journey.  Very soon, you will have to think about the next phase of your life, whether it is for other studies or career decisions,” he said.

Of the 186 HLSCC graduates, 54 were males and 132 were females. There were 123 graduates with Associate Degrees, 38 with Certificates of Achievement and 39 with Certificates of Completion.

39 students received professional certifications, with 16 for the Chartered Management Institute and 23 for Effective Leadership in Education.