The back-to-school drive which took the form of a drive-thru provided school bags and school supplies to students in addition to opportunities for students to get their hair braided and haircut for the boys.

Hon Rymer said the idea for the 2021 drive came following announcements that in-school attendance will be recommencing from September 2021.

: The back-to-school drive which took the form of a drive-thru provided school bags and school supplies to students in addition to opportunities for students to get their hair braided and haircut for the boys.

Return of Back-to-School Drive

In the past, the drive which originally begun in 2019 was held at the Long Trench Community Centre and at the Huntums Ghut basketball court, however, the Minister said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pre-registered drive-through event was chosen to limit contact with persons.

“We registered quite a few, and we started from about 09:30 am this morning and we are now winding down with the last set of bags,” the Minister said while speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) shortly after noon today.

“We had a lot of walk-ups as well, so we deemed it a success and I am quite happy that we could give back to the community in such a positive way. As you know how difficult these times could be for families,” Hon Rymer said while thanking all the volunteers for their support as well as the other At-Large members in the House of Assembly (HoA) for their contributions.

Junior Minister for Tourism and At-Large Representative, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) speaking to VINO called the drive a success with parents turning out in their numbers to take up the offers being provided.

Present at the event was also Community Police Officer Mitchell D. John who said the police presence helped to keep the event organized and moving smoothly, as well as encourage persons to follow the COVID-19 public health measures.

Parents turned out in numbers! - Hon de Castro

Junior Minister for Tourism and At-Large Representative, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) who was on-site distributing items told VINO the back-to-drive was a success with parents turning out in their numbers to take up the offers.

"Of course, as an educator, I find initiatives like this extremely important especially during these difficult times and the children are very excited, you see the smiles on their faces and I believe that was the intent and so I am glad to be a part of it,” she said.

Present at the event was also Community Police Officer Mitchell D. John who said the police presence helped to keep the event organized and moving smoothly, as well as encouraged persons to follow the COVID-19 public health measures.