Franklyn Penn Jr. is now the second recipient of the RVIPF Community Spirit Award.
In December of 2021, videos were circulated of tourists visiting Road Town Tortola who had an extremely frustrating and difficult time maneuvering through the busy capital due to inefficient sidewalks suitable for disabled pedestrians.
Multiple videos sent to our newsroom showed a local athlete Mr. Franklyn Penn getting out of his vehicle and assisting a visiting couple after seeing their utter frustration with trying to maneuver through the town. The video posted by our newsroom received some 2.4 Million views. Once he got the tourist off the side walk, Penn then allowed them to go in front of his vehicle and followed them as they returned on the main road to the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park. The inclement weather did not add to situation. However, his intervention allowed the two visitors to safely return to their ship.
In an invited comment Penn said, “I had to help, they looked so frustrated and disappointed.”
Community Officer Constable Mitchell John made the presentation yesterday February 17th, 2022 at the Police Headquarters in the presence of the Acting Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool and the Acting Assistant Commissioner St. Clair Amory.
“We want to continue to recognize those who exemplify the community spirit that is endemic in the BVI and its people. Selfless acts like these, when no one is looking, when persons are going about their daily lives, is what we like to acknowledge and reward,” Constable John noted.
Last year, Constable John and his colleague Constable Emnisa Edwards presented Community Spirit Award to Elmore Stoutt High School student Sweland Charles for assisting a visually impaired resident to cross the highway near the Red Cross.