Now in its 17th Year, the New Life Baptist Church once again took time to honor persons who contributed significantly towards the betterment of the territory of the Virgin Islands. The initiative, a brainchild of Bishop John Cline has continued to grow from strength to strength, honoring the best, brightest and bravest of the British Virgin Islands.
This year’s list of honorees was the largest cohort of honorees in 17 years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Next to the hurricanes of 2017, the pandemic has been one of the most, if not the most challenging times in history for the people of the BVI. In navigating through these difficult times, a number of persons played an integral part in protecting Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors. Whether it was health care professionals, law makers, national security officers or personal secretaries and communications specialist, each role played a part in saving lives and helping to lessen the impact of Covid-19 in the BVI.
This year’s honorees where:
Frontline Workers: Hon. Andrew A. Fahie-Premier & Minister of Finance, Hon. Carvin Malone-Minister for Health and Social Development, Petrona Davies-Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Social Development, Dr. Irad Potter-Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges-Former CEO BVI Health Services Authority/Acting Chief Medical Officer, Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro-Assistant/Private Secretary Ministry of Health and Social Development, Adrianna Soverall-Acting Public Health Communications Specialist/Information Officer Ministry of Health and Social Development and Asha Romney-Accounts Officer II Ministry of Health and Social Development
Remedies of Our Reality Honoree: Hon. Mark Vanterpool-Managing Director One Mart Supermarket
Onset & Management Honorees: Lionel Michal-Chief Environmental Officer, Harmonie Brewley-Messiah-Epidemiologist Ministry of Health and Social Development and Collette McCurdy-Laboratory Manager Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital
Physical Defense and Border Protection Honorees: Muadley Penn-Richards-Senior Immigration Officer/Ports Supervisor and Wade N. Smith-Commissioner of HM Customs/Chairman Joint Task Force
The New Normal Honorees: Felice Swapp-Chairman/Reopening Steering Committee, Jascinth Hannibal-Chief Nursing Officer, Edrick Hypolite-Clerical Officer BVI Airports Authority, Kedimone Rubaine-Private Secretary Deputy Governor, Jevaughn J. Parsons-Director Taxi and Livery Commission and Lynette Harrigan-Niche Marketing Manager BVI Tourist Board
The surprise honoree of the day was Mrs. Claudette “Bopee” Francis-Smith, a frontline administrator at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith hospital.
In his congratulatory remarks, Senior Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church Bishop John I. Cline said, “It is always an honor to celebrate our very own VI Unsung Heroes who have served God and their country humbly and unselfishly. Today, we pause to recognize the extraordinary work of some ordinary citizens who have worked tirelessly on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic, in so many ways. Men and women who continue to demonstrate commitment and compassion in their line of duties, from frontline to behind the scenes, serving the community with courage and dignity while putting their own lives at risks.”
The honorees response was jointly given by Kedimore Rubaine and Jevaughn J Parson who expressed gratitude for the humbling honor.
The ceremony took place at the NLBC today Sunday February 28th, shortly after 3pm and saw a number of family, friends, well wishes and Government officials showing support towards the honorees.
The inspiring and uplifting afternoon spoke to the true spirit of Virgin Islanders when faced by adversity, possessing strength, resilience and most of all #BVILOVE.