The Premier said the initiative would be called the “Move with A Purpose Challenge”. Speaking at the contract signing for the four new buildings being constructed at the educational facility, Fahie said ESHS — formerly called BVI High School — has benefited everyone in the territory.

“Elmore Stoutt High School is where almost all of us received our education. Where our children have been and are being educated and where our future generation of Virgin Islanders will be educated. In these times of worldwide turbulence, it is not about what your company can do for you but what you can do for your country,” Fahie said.

“We have just a few people living a life of complaining and even when you fix what they ask to fix, they don’t even say thank you. They move on to the next problem. This is a time for us now to come forward for our country. When you donate to the Move with A Purpose Project, you are investing in the development of Virgin Islanders to become lawyers, doctors, nurses, accountants, mechanics, entrepreneurs, innovators, public officers, managers, sales executives, engineers, CEOs, hoteliers, investment fund managers, administrators, tour operators and many more,” the Premier added.

Developing BVI’s talent pool

Fahie, who is also the Minister of Finance, said donating to the school’s development would also develop the talent pool for businesses in the Virgin Islands.

“If you are a successful business or person, now is the time to show that you truly care about this country and our children and our future generations,” he added.

The Finance Minister said the public education that made people successful has been free for so many years and it will continue to be but now is the time and the place to give something back to the education system and territory that laid the foundation for the success the businesses are reaping.

“We have a couple of businesses that have already pledged donations and I know many more will come and in Jesus’ name I speak to the atmosphere and declare that all the money that we are raising among ourselves with the $60,000 will come and will come in the space of two months,” Fahie declared.

“I don’t say that lightly. I say that because we continue to move with a purpose as a people and you can come to the Ministry of Finance and RDA (Recovery and Development Agency) and we will direct you on how you can make your donation to this project and how you can invest in the future of the Virgin Islands,” the Finance Minister said.

Donors to get monthly report

He said donators will have the guarantee that every money donated will be accounted for. Fahie said each donor will also get a monthly report from the RDA on how the money will be spent and a progress report on the project.

“If you don’t believe me, I can tell you we already have one company that makes up the initial amount that we have in our possession now. We already had one that came forward and give a grant of $4 million. So, don’t tell me it can’t happen. And that doesn’t have anything to do with the other four that we are raising so don’t mix them up,” Fahie said.

The ESHS Redevelopment Project is expected to exceed $11 million.