BVIBF leads initiative to spruce up Nurse Iris Penn-Smith Clinic in EE
Under the slogan ‘It only takes one to make a difference’, the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF) started an initiative yesterday, December 14, 2019 to repaint the Nurse Iris Penn-Smith Clinic in Parham Town on the eastern end of Tortola and clean up its surroundings in time for Christmas.
The initiative, which saw school children as well as basketball players and executives joining in, has been commended by the public as well as legislators, including Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7); Deputy Speaker and At-Large Representative, Hon Neville A. Smith and Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), who all grabbed a paint brush and played their part yesterday.
Giving back
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the BVIBF, Mr Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss’ told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the Federation believes persons involved in the sport must be able to give back to the community other than through basketball and hence the initiative started with the clinic.
The community project at the clinic concludes today, December 15, 2019.
“It was well supported,” Mr Freeman said, adding that there were some 15 youngsters, both boys and girls, from the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) who used the opportunity to build on their community service hours.
Mr Freeman also assured the Federation will continue to do similar projects in the community wherever it can.
‘Impressive’
Hon Wheatley commented on Facebook that it is “impressive” that the BVIBF saw the need to undertake the project and not wait on Government. “It speaks a lot to the leadership of the Basketball Federation, Hon Wheatley said, adding that he loves the concept “It only takes one to make a difference.”
Hon Penn said he thought it was a good initiative to get the children involved in uplifting the community and expressed gratitude to President of the BVIBF, Mr Derrick R. Varlack, and team.
“All of us as a community have a role to play… It’s not about Government but the entire community,” Hon Penn said.
Hon Smith commended all involved in the initiative and said of the BVIBF, “They showed that they have togetherness.”
The Deputy Speaker said he hopes other sports organisations can emulate the BVIBF, saying that if sports bodies keep seeking sponsorship they also must show they are giving back.
