The donation was made on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, and Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), commenting on the initiative, said his government will continue its mission of funding HLSCC to train and certify every interested Virgin Islander, especially in the marine industry.

According to Premier Fahie, "UNITE BVI signed on as a donor to the programme by donating $100,000 annually to HLSCC to add to the $200,000 that will be the annual contribution made by your government as promised since taking office."

He said in a few months, the first cohort of BVIslanders will be graduating from the programme paving the way for the next cohort of BVIslanders.

The "Back to the Sea" training programme was officially launched in August by the premier, who stated that the sea is the next goldmine of the Territory’s economy.

Promise Kept - Premier Fahie

"HLSCC is positioning themselves to be the leading Maritime Training Institution in the Caribbean by the middle of 2020. This is progress!"

Premier Fahie further remarked that, with funding now flowing into the programme, it is yet another promise made and kept by his administration.

"Together we will always achieve more. Our youths continue to make us all proud. Your government has started the journey of preparing our people for the future from now so that they can take their rightful place in our society," the leader of government business underscored.