Students explore the ‘blue economy’

Students from across the Virgin Islands discussed the importance of developing the territory’s “blue economy” during a mock House of Assembly sitting last Thursday attended by visiting British House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

At the debate in the HOA building in Road Town, students addressed the benefits of the VI joining the United Kingdom’s Blue Belt Programme, which aims to support overseas territories in protecting and maintaining their marine environments.

Before the students began, Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro emphasised the importance of youth involvement.

“As minister for education, I know that education must be the compass that guides this journey, because if we are to truly develop our blue economy, we must equip our young people with the knowledge, the skills and the confidence to lead it,” Ms. de Castro said.

‘Invest wisely’

During the debate — which centred around the theme “Securing Our Seas, Sustaining Our Future: Why the Virgin Islands Must be Supported to Fully Develop a Blue Economy” — many students echoed Ms. de Castro’s point.

“If we fail to develop our youth, we endanger our future,” said J’Seanna Barnes, who played the role of education minister. “On the other hand, if we invest wisely in our youth, we secure national growth, innovation and stability.”

She added that schools need adequate resources to ensure students’ success.

Participants also argued that blue economy development is not only about environmental protection but also economic growth and sustainability.

“This is not simply about protecting our oceans,” said Malia Choucoutou, who played the role of the Second District representative. “It is about protecting livelihoods and protecting opportunity, and it is about securing a future where our young people can stay, grow and lead right here at home.”

‘Deliberate strategy’

D’Aunte Williams, who played the premier and finance minister, spoke similarly.

“If we are to sustain our future, we must move beyond mere observation,” he said. “We must act with deliberate strategy. This is why the blue economy is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the art of balancing economic growth with ecological survival.”

To that end, he stressed the importance of the VI joining the UK’s Blue Belt Programme — a move approved by Cabinet in January 2025 that will require establishing and managing wide-ranging marine protected areas.

“Inclusion in this programme provides us with the tools we need for monitoring and enforcement,” he said. “It signals to the world that our waters are managed with excellence. Most importantly, this is a debt we owe to our next generation.”

Caleb Stoutt, who played the role of opposition leader and Sixth District representative, emphasised that the issue is not “partisan.”

“The sea does not recognise political divisions, and neither should our commitment to its protection,” he said. “Supporting and implementing the UK Blue Belt Programme is an investment in evidence-based policy, youth empowerment and long-term sustainability. To reject or delay this opportunity would be to limit our capacity, slow our progress and place unnecessary strain on local resources.”

Commons speaker

After the debate, which lasted about an hour, opposition member Mitch Turnbull and Sir Lindsay commended all the students for their participation.

“This is the finest debate that I’ve heard in a very long time,” Sir Lindsay said.

He ended by encouraging the students to “think about a future in politics.”

The mock sitting was part of the programme for Sir Lindsay’s five-day visit to the territory last week.