Local News
UniteBVI Foundation Partners with His Majesty’s Prison for Inmate Rehabilitation
His Majesty’s Prison recently received a generous donation of chess supplies and various resources from the UniteBVI Foundation in an effort to promote inmate rehabilitation.
The initiative aims to engage inmates in the game of chess, fostering valuable skills such as patience and perseverance while serving their sentences.
Expressing gratitude for the partnership, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley commended UniteBVI and Superintendent of Prison Mr. Jay Kendall, along with his rehabilitation staff, for their dedication to inmate rehabilitation. “We cannot do it all ourselves, so I am thankful for strategic partners in making these things possible,” Honourable Wheatley remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving rehabilitation goals.
In addition to chess pieces, the donation includes basketballs, footballs, art supplies, dominoes, and puzzles, demonstrating a holistic approach to rehabilitation. UniteBVI has also enlisted the support of the BVI Chess Foundation to assist with training prison inmates in the game of chess.
Superintendent Jay Kendall expressed appreciation for the continued support from Honourable Wheatley and UniteBVI Foundation in enhancing rehabilitation initiatives at Balsam Ghut. “This holds significant importance for everyone, particularly the inmates at HM Prison Balsam Ghut,” Superintendent Kendall emphasised, highlighting the anticipated positive impact on inmate safety in the British Virgin Islands.
Meanwhile, Honourable Mather underscored the often overlooked plight of incarcerated individuals worldwide and praised the collaborative efforts between UniteBVI, Honourable Wheatley, and prison staff to address inmate rehabilitation. The initiative aims to ensure that inmates and their rehabilitation efforts are not forgotten within the prison system.
Kim Takeuchi, the Foundation Manager at UniteBVI, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with the foundation’s mandate to foster sustainable and positive benefits for the BVI community. “This is a great example of collaboration coming together to achieve something greater than ourselves,” Miss Takeuchi affirmed, expressing enthusiasm for future endeavors with the prison and rehabilitation team.
Education
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Crime/Police
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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