The BVI Cancer Society (BVICS) turned a new chapter in its close to 25-year-old history on Friday 4 February, when the organization unveiled its new logo and slogan; as part of its grand rebranding campaign.
The event which was held at the Village Cay Conference Room on the date internationally known as “World Cancer Day;” was an official declaration of the organization’s plans to do more in the fight against all types of cancers.
President of the BVI Cancer Society Gloria Fahie explained that the rebrand was necessary. She stated that male cancer patients were not seeking support because of the assumption that the organization catered only to female cancer patients. Fahie said that the rebrand’s main aim is to debunk this myth and make it clear that the BVI Cancer Society is an across-the-board support service provider.
The President explained, “the BVI Cancer Society over the years has been lending support in the fight against all cancers, but sadly we have also been battling the perception that we are only a Breast Cancer Support Organization. For years we have been quietly dispelling this incorrect information. The BVI Cancer Society has been vocal about our interest in all cancers, yet we know that especially male cancer patients are not coming to us as they should.”
“We decided that it is time that we made it clear that we are not about one form of cancer, we care about all forms of cancers, and so the decision was made to do a rebrand,” Fahie added.
The newly introduced BVI Cancer Society Slogan is – “We Fight Cancer In All Its Forms,” and the President said that she is hoping that the use of the slogan will help to cement the general advocacy and awareness interest of the organization.
During the rebranding ceremony both Premier and Minister for Finance Hon. Andrew Fahie and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Cavin Malone, and Mrs. Pernis Malone made donations to the BVICS. The Premier reflected on the early beginnings of the Society and lauded the membership on the good works over the years. The Premier noted that there are persons throughout the Territory who have been affected by cancer. He noted that even in his family there are relatives affected by cancer. As such Hon. Fahie invited the gathering to do a moment of silence for those who died from this dreadful disease
The Minister of Health also congratulated the BVI Cancer Society on its milestone and stated that he intends to further efforts aimed at establishing a cancer registry in the BVI.