The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) has unveiled the results of its Executive Council elections, held during the Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2024. Members cast their votes to elect a new leadership team that will serve for the 2024-2028 term.

The newly elected Executive Council members are set to bring fresh energy and vision to the BVIFA, aiming to elevate football across all levels in the territory.

Avanell Morton has been elected as President. With a long-standing history of involvement in BVI football, Morton brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role. He is committed to driving the association forward and enhancing the development of football at all levels in the territory.

Joining Morton is Andy Davis, elected as the 1st Vice President. Davis has been a dedicated advocate for the sport, significantly contributing to its growth in the BVI through various initiatives and programs. His ongoing dedication to football is expected to foster positive changes within the association.

Lorrelle Abrams, previously serving as Secretary, has been elected as the 2nd Vice President. Abrams’ dedication and leadership in her previous roles have been instrumental in the growth of the BVIFA, and she looks forward to continuing her efforts in this new capacity.

Rounding out the leadership team are Treasurer Kenrick Grant and Directors Priya Mohamed, Craig Grant, and Wendell Nichols. Each officer brings unique skills and a shared vision for the future of football in the British Virgin Islands. Together, they aim to promote inclusivity, enhance training programs, and increase participation at the grassroots level.

Following the election results, President Avanell Morton expressed his gratitude and excitement. “I am honored to be elected as the President of the BVIFA. Our new executive team is committed to building on the strong foundation laid by our predecessors and taking BVI football to new heights. We have ambitious plans to develop our infrastructure, support our athletes, and engage our community more than ever before.”

The newly elected Council wasted no time in outlining their initial orders of business. Their first priority is to meet with FIFA and Concacaf representatives, who have pledged ongoing support for the BVIFA. This meeting is expected to set the tone for future collaborations and initiatives.

Additionally, the Council will attend a church service on Sunday, June 30, 2024, to mark the beginning of their term with a moment of reflection and community engagement. This event signifies the Council’s commitment to uniting the community around the shared passion for football.

In the coming weeks, the Council will establish a six-month plan to address immediate goals and set objectives for their first 100 days in office. These steps are crucial in laying the groundwork for a successful term. Furthermore, a four-year strategic plan will be developed to guide the association’s long-term vision and initiatives.

The BVIFA extends heartfelt thanks to the outgoing committee members for their dedication and contributions. Their efforts have set the stage for continued success and growth within the association, paving the way for the new leadership to build upon their achievements.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has aligned with Chile and Colombia in urging for a stronger regional approach to tackle forced displacements caused by disasters like hurricanes across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The call comes following Colombia’s successful hosting of the ‘Third Thematic Consultation of the Cartagena+40 Process regarding Protection in the Contexts of Forced Displacement due to Disasters’ in Bogotá.

At the consultation, BVI’s Special Envoy, Benito Wheatley, addressed the gathering, emphasising the unique challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He stressed the critical need for a revised Cartagena Declaration to better address the region’s vulnerability to climate-driven displacements.

“In the Caribbean, climate change exacerbates natural disasters, necessitating robust measures to minimise mass displacements,” Wheatley asserted. He called for proactive steps including improved early warning systems, climate adaptation strategies, and stringent building codes to enhance resilience against hurricanes.

Highlighting the integrated approach required, Wheatley underscored, “We cannot separate climate change, displacement, and sustainable development in the Caribbean. Our resilience must be sufficient to swiftly recover from extreme weather events.”

Discussions between Wheatley and Colombian Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Luis Gilberto Murillo further solidified commitments to bolster Caribbean representation in the Cartagena+40 process. Minister Murillo reaffirmed Colombia’s support for the subregion, pledging to advocate for Caribbean interests in upcoming deliberations.

The recent consultations, held from June 18 to 20, will inform the Chile Declaration and Action Plan slated for adoption by regional Ministers in late 2024.