The Safe Haven Transitional Centre recently concluded its monthly long accident Prevention Education Initiative with a $5,000 donation to an eighteen-year-old who lost his leg in a scooter accident in 2021.

The centre partnered with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in February to embark on an initiative that focuses on curtailing the number of incidences of young men being injured or losing their lives in accidents while riding scooters. The initiative was carried out under the theme “With Love, Ride Safely & Wear a Helmet”.

Director Mrs. Nellville George-Brownstorph said the centre held an Education Prevention Outreach Programme on February 10 geared towards scooter riders and the public. The event was held at Bobby’s Parking Lot in Road Town where information was shared with participants on the importance of wearing a safety helmet along with safety tips while riding a scooter.

 Mrs. George-Brownstorph, along with other team members collaborated with the RVIPF Community Policing Unit and the Interact Club and who made a presentation to the male students at the Elmore Stoutt High School.

Safety tips were given for operating a scooter and the importance of wearing a helmet was also reinforced. Eight safety helmets were donated to male students.

A sum of $5,000 from the Safe Haven Transitional Centre and the RVIPF Community Policing Unit was also donated to 18-year-old Bryshan Walters on February 28. The funds will be put towards purchasing a prosthetic leg for the young man following a scooter accident in 2021.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development through its subsidiaries remains committed to promoting the safety and protecting the well-being of residents of the Virgin Islands community.