In a significant show of support for youth development in the Virgin Islands, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has donated $15,430 to the BVI Scouts and Girl Guides BVI.
This contribution comes from the proceeds of a fundraising initiative held during the 2020 Police Week.
The Police Week Planning Committee, led at the time by then Deputy Commissioner Alwin James, organized a vehicle raffle as the centrepiece of their fundraising efforts. With the generous backing of Tortola Auto Group (TAG) and other sponsors, including NAGICO Insurance, Delta Petroleum, KAD Pools, PST Law, and Travel Wise, the committee raffled off a 2019 Ford Ranger XLT pickup truck on December 24, 2020. The lucky winner of the raffle was a female resident from the East End community.
Recognizing the vital role that the BVI Scouts and Girl Guides BVI play in teaching life skills, discipline, and values to the territory’s youth, the RVIPF decided to dedicate the raffle’s profits to these organizations. The decision was further motivated by the recognition that the building used by the Scouts and Guides had suffered severe damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and was in need of repairs.
Although there was a delay in the presentation, the RVIPF proudly handed over the donation on August 25, 2024. The funds are intended to support the continued work of these organizations in fostering positive development among the territory’s young people, particularly in an environment where they face challenges such as crime, drugs, and peer pressure.
In acknowledging the donation, the RVIPF expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the BVI Scouts and Girl Guides BVI, emphasizing the importance of their work in building a stronger, more resilient community.
“We hope that these funds will assist in continuing the work of both associations within the BVI community,” the RVIPF stated, underscoring the critical need for such positive initiatives as the community grapples with the challenges facing its youth.