The Virgin Islands was represented by Miss Adrianne Thomas at the United Kingdom Youth Parliament on February 28, 2025. Photo: BVI London Office

United Kingdom Overseas Territory Youth Parliamentarians. Photo: BVI London Office

Miss Malia Choucoutou (middle) represented the VI and Chaired the 2025 United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) Youth Summit. Photo: BVI London Office

Ms Thomas spoke in the House of Commons on February 28, 2025, during the annual UK Youth Parliament where she said, “Education is so often referred to as the key to success but what happens when that key is not accessible to all? I stand before you as a young voice from the British Virgin Islands to highlight the critical issue of educational access for students from the Overseas Territories.”

OTs students face significant financial barriers- Ms Thomas

Ms Thomas explained that while students from the UK Overseas Territories pursuing higher education in the UK receive home fee status and tuition loans, they still face significant financial barriers.

“The lack of maintenance loans remains a major hurdle, often forcing students to abandon their studies due to living costs,” she added.

Ms Thomas also reminded that the issue was acknowledged at the May 2023 Joint Ministerial Council; however, no concrete solutions have emerged.

This has limited students' access to UK education, she stated.

Gov’t should advocate for maintenance loans- Miss Thomas

The UK Youth Parliamentarian said, “Beyond academia, regular extreme climatic weather events have highlighted a shortage of skilled tradespeople. In response, our ministry, along with our local college, launched a technical vocational apprenticeship programme to equip youth with practical skills.”

She said; however, more must be done to elevate apprenticeships and vocational training as viable career paths that will ensure community resilience and sustainable futures for the youth.

“I urge our government to advocate for maintenance loans for Overseas Territory students to remove financial barriers and invest in vocational training and apprenticeships to address critical skills shortages,” Ms Thomas continued.

She said by taking these steps, the commitment to resilience, self-reliance, and the empowerment of our youth will be honoured.

“Let us ensure that every young person in the British Virgin Islands and other Overseas Territories has the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” Ms Thomas stated.

UKOTA Youth Summit

The 2025 United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) Youth Summit was also convened on February 27, 2025.

The VI was represented by Miss Malia Choucoutou, who also chaired the meeting held at the BVI House in London.

Participants had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues that significantly impact their communities.

Key topics included neurodiversity and disability in education, LGBTQ+ representation, and immigration and migration.