Music teacher honoured by king

A well-known Virgin Islands musician and teacher has been honoured by King Charles III for more than three decades of service to the territory’s youths and music industry.

André Braithwaite, music director at Elmore Stoutt High School and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, received a Member of the Order of the British Empire as part of the king’s New Year 2026 Overseas and International Honours List announced on Dec. 30.

The award recognises his commitment to music education, cultural development and mentorship.

Governor Daniel Pruce congratulated Mr. Braithwaite, describing him as a cultural pillar whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.

“André’s passion for music and his tireless work teaching and inspiring young people has enriched our community and strengthened the cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Pruce said. “This honour is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and the arts.”

Colleagues

At ESHS, where Mr. Braithwaite has taught since 1994, colleagues said the honour was well deserved.

In a statement, the department described him as the backbone of the school’s music programme and said he has served as mentor, leader and father figure to his students for more than 30 years.

“He knows his students by name, engages their families, and ensures his classroom is a safe haven,” the statement noted. “Mr. Braithwaite is a stalwart of ESHS, a dedicated educator, and a true ambassador of music and culture.”

Music teacher

Mr. Braithwaite is director of the ESHS Senior, Jazz and Fungi bands; director of the HLSCC Jazz Ensemble; and choral director for the Acappella Fellas, Praise Team and Youth Choir of the Road Town Methodist Church.

His musical journey began at the age of 3, when he learned melodies on the piano under the guidance of his father, the late Sydney Braithwaite, according to a biography circulated last week by the government.

He went on to study music education at Jacksonville University in Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earning awards for artistic excellence and academic achievement.

Beyond education, Mr. Braithwaite has performed extensively across the Caribbean, the United States and Europe, and he has been a fixture at national events including state funerals, Remembrance Day ceremonies and the monarch’s annual birthday parade.

He also founded a business called The Universal Language Studio, a recording and teaching facility that provides music instruction to students.

Other interests

His service to youth also extends beyond music. A long-time member of the national volleyball team and a track-and-field coach, he has used sports as another avenue for mentoring young people, while also serving in leadership roles within the Methodist Church, according to the biography.

Mr. Braithwaite has previously been recognised with several other honours as well, including “Citizen of the Year” from the Lions Club of Tortola in 2013 and the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Tortola in 2022.

He is also deeply committed to his family life with his wife Kishann and their three daughters, according to the biography.

An MBE is awarded for outstanding achievement or service to the community that has delivered sustained impact and serves as an example to others.