So far more than 400 individuals have received much-needed food supplies, including on Virgin Gorda.

According to Director of FSN, Mrs Sasha H. Stoutt, on Thursday, April 9, 2020, FSN distributed supplies to families both on Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

“In addition to this, food was distributed to 24 men with language barriers that worked during the three-day curfew break in VG. They were unable to retrieve food from the supermarkets before they were closed for quarantine,” Mrs Stoutt told Virgin Islands News Online.

On Saturday, April 11, 2020, FSN was also able to distribute food items to many families on Tortola with the help of the Lions Club of Tortola.

“We were also able to give some food items to the [BVI] Red Cross,” Mrs Stoutt added.

“In total, we were able to assist over 400 plus individuals with the manpower of fewer than 10 persons during the quarantine.”

Support for FSN

Mrs Stoutt said FSN was grateful to Government for its support.

“Their community members and some representatives have come and collected food items that were packed to aid us with our distribution efforts.”

Special thanks were also given to Fourth District Representative and businessman, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool, whom Mrs Stoutt said made it possible for FSN to access food items for families.

She said gratitude also needed to be extended to Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) for granting FSN permission to continue their humanitarian efforts during the lockdown and for providing assistance for distribution as well.

Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) was also commended for his coordination efforts on Virgin Gorda.

“To all our donors that have been calling in we are grateful. As we know, your contributions will be greatly needed during this time. To all our volunteers and those that are holding us in prayer and sending well wishes we are grateful, as we continue to keep families and their needs at the forefront of our minds and hearts with the small army that we have,” Mrs Stoutt said.