Several service organisations’ leaders were commended for their stellar contributions and spirit of volunteerism in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria at a dinner held in their honour.

The event was hosted by His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert. 

Governor Jaspert said, “It was a delight along with the Premier to celebrate and recognise the hard work of community volunteers, as without their support and dedication, the recovery efforts after the hurricanes would have been even more challenging.”

The dinner brought various service organisations’ leaders under one roof to also formulate ideas on how a spirit of volunteerism can be fostered in the community. 

The discussions highlighted the need for the organisations to have avenues of dialogue between themselves. Suggestions included the need for the establishment of community volunteer councils throughout the BVI and the establishment of a community volunteer day.

The group agreed that there is a need to continuously look at volunteering in the Territory and ensure the BVI has the best policies to support volunteerism. The importance of having events to celebrate the hard work of volunteers was highlighted and it was also suggested that inter-community competitions be held to help restore community pride and a spirit of volunteering.

The event was attended by Premier, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE; Directors, Presidents or representatives from  Rotary Clubs, Lions Club, the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), the BVI Red Cross, Tortola Ladies’ Club, All Hands and Hearts, VG Rock, Family Support Network, Unite BVI and Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE).

Community volunteering has been identified as one of the Office of the Governor’s major priorities for 2018.  Other priority areas include community engagement, going green and the unbending support of the ONE BVI initiative.