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HLSCC granted accreditation to offer 4-year degree programmes

- announcement was made at institution's 33rd graduation ceremony
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will begin offering internationally accredited four-year degree programs after officially receiving accreditation, marking a significant advancement in higher education in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/ File
The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon. Sharie B. de Castro, during HLSCC's 33rd Graduation Ceremony, held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook
The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Hon. Sharie B. de Castro, during HLSCC's 33rd Graduation Ceremony, held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook
Some of the students who graduated from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on June 11, 2026. Photo: Russell Jones/Facebook
Some of the students who graduated from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on June 11, 2026. Photo: Russell Jones/Facebook
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's graduation event featured a keynote address by The Right Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, LLD. Photo: Facebook
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's graduation event featured a keynote address by The Right Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, LLD. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will begin offering internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, having received official accreditation. This development marks a significant advancement in higher education in the Virgin Islands.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), during HLSCC's 33rd Graduation Ceremony, held at Multi-Purpose Sports Complexon on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Honourable de Castro stated, "For 36 years, this institution has prepared graduates for the future. Today, it graduates into its own, and it is my profound honour as Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, and as a proud alumna of this institution, to announce that H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has received approval to begin offering its first-ever internationally accredited, bachelor's degree programme, right here in the Virgin Islands."

She added, "This is indeed an auspicious occasion, and it deserves a celebration." 

Bachelor of Arts in Education to be offered 

This accreditation will enable the college to launch its Bachelor of Arts in Education. This will provide aspiring teachers the opportunity to complete their full training locally, eliminating the need to pursue parts of their studies overseas. 

The development represents a major step in the evolution of HLSCC and is expected to enhance educational opportunities while supporting the Territory's long-term workforce needs.

Honouring educational stalwarts

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), also announced that the HLSCC Board of Governors has approved plans to name the Virgin Islands Studies Institute in honour of the late Jennie N. Wheatley and the College's Main Building in honour of Dr Charles H. Wheatley, OBE.

A total of 217 students graduated from the institution on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

HLSCC President Dr Richard W. Georges described the ceremony as a reflection of both student achievement and institutional growth as the college enters a new phase of development.

The graduation event featured a keynote address by The Right Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, LLD, while graduate respondent D'Aunte Williams delivered remarks on behalf of the graduating class.

The accreditation announcement is expected to have far-reaching implications for higher education in the Virgin Islands, expanding access to degree opportunities and enhancing the Territory's capacity to train professionals locally.

17 Responses to “HLSCC granted accreditation to offer 4-year degree programmes”

  • Wellsah (12/06/2026, 12:16) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    great initiative what other excuse these outside businesses will use now to not hire well educated virgin islanders? you can easily work with the college to provide curriculum for a pipeline to employment. if your client base only prefer to engage with those that look like them then maybe their ms need to vacation in the med instead.
    • Karnage (12/06/2026, 13:16) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Virgin Islanders have been receiving scholarships and getting degrees at overseas universities for decades. The weak, silly excuses still persist because there is an agenda. Anyway, kudos to the college.
      • VIVI (12/06/2026, 15:43) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        I have heard many say they want to finish a bachelors but have family situations - single moms, etc - that keep them from going overseas. Well done HLSCC!!!!!
    • @welsah (12/06/2026, 16:25) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      An academic degree is only a piece of the puzzle. Attitude determines ALTITUDE! If you can get the job done then ypu will always have a job and eventually your own business..if you cannot find a job but think you are qualified then start your own business and then reality hits. The thinking that yiu get a college degree so that means a company will automatically pay you six figures is assinine!!!
      • Wellsah (13/06/2026, 10:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        we know, the goal post just get moved after each criterion is checked off, thats why there is brain drain. sorry we're not performative and giving the jovial islander experience while not getting paid a living wage, go visit a country where their currency is weaker than the dollar.
  • Anonymous (12/06/2026, 14:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Under vip education is always on the move
  • question (12/06/2026, 16:41) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why not renovate the auditorium in Paraquita Bay to better accommodate for functions held by the college, i.e the graduation ceremony? There is ample parking space there, and it will also have functional parking spaces.
    • alumnus (13/06/2026, 09:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      The Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium currently seats around 400. To house graduation it would need to triple that number.
      • @alumnus (13/06/2026, 11:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        That is exactly why I reasoned that they should consider to "renovate the auditorium..." sigh
        • alumnus (13/06/2026, 12:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          It is clearly not possible to triple the seats in that building... sigh. They would need to build a gymnasium.
  • ausar (13/06/2026, 05:11) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Wellsah", it never had anything to do with degrees!

    It was always about the non- hiring of our people!

  • asking for a friend (13/06/2026, 10:32) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    How much of the can be hired at one mart ? To much work permits
  • Country first (13/06/2026, 12:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    de Castro for the win.
  • Recent graduate of HLSCC (13/06/2026, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    can we finally send home the Filipinos now? What will they say when we have the qualifications now ?
    • Common Sense (19/06/2026, 08:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Comprehension is apparently lacking on your part. How many Filipinos are employed as educators? If you're a true representation of an HLSCC graduate then the prospects for future graduates aren't very bright.
  • Cindy (16/06/2026, 06:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is a big big deal the bvi is moving under vip they deserved reelection
  • HHH (17/06/2026, 19:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    DOES IT INCLUDE 4YEAR “WORK ETHICS” COURSE ? That is the one lacking.


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