Work continues on the site of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School as of Septembr 2026. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) has reaffirmed her ministry and the government’s commitment to completing a new Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS). Photo: Facebook

A team from the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, other government officials and UniteBVI representatives toured the site of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School in September 2026. Photo: Facebook

Demolition of the school took place in April 2023, due to safety concerns. Site preparation at ASPS began earlier this year, and a team from the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, other government officials, and UniteBVI representatives toured the site recently. 

“This site, right here, has meant so much to our community for so many years. The Ministry of Education is dedicated to ensuring that this project is future-focused and designed to be Strider-led,” Hon de Castro said. 

“We are making room for a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will produce proud future Striders.”

Site preparation, including removal of the old foundation and land clearance, has been completed. Architectural designs have also been completed and finalised. The next step involves rerouting underground sewage and utility infrastructure for construction. 

ASPS has meant so much to this community- Hon Kye M. Rymer

Meanwhile, the District 5 Representative and Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer, said the ASPS has meant so much to the community for generations. 

“I’m fully supportive of this rebuild. We can’t wait to get back Althea Scatliffe Primary School, and I am here with full support.”

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who was also present for the site visit, said the school is a top priority for the government. “[It] is coming back better, smarter, and mightier.”

UniteBVI a proud partner

In January 2024, Unite BVI, which is part of Sir Richard CN Branson’s Virgin Group, announced its commitment to help rebuild the school, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Unite BVI was signed at Maria’s by the Sea on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Dr L. Sauda Smith, Executive Trustee at UniteBVI, said they are happy to work on this project to continue to impact the things that matter most in the community. Education, she added, is at the top of that list. 

“[This] is why we are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Education to rebuild this historic and important school that will affect our society for generations to come.”