Local News
Lions Club of Tortola Launches Vision 24 Project to Provide Free Eye Care in BVI
In a bid to champion eye health and ensure access to essential vision care, the Lions Club of Tortola unveils the commencement of its Vision 24 Project.
This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at offering free eye screening and eyeglasses, targets both the youthful vigor and the seasoned wisdom of the British Virgin Islands community.
“Vision impairment can severely impact the educational journey of our children,” emphasised Lion Linda Cills, MJF, co-chairperson of the project. “Through Vision 24, we strive to address this challenge and empower our youth and elderly with the gift of clear sight.”
Phase Two of the project, set to kick off on April 22nd, will see a dedicated team of 16 Optometrists and assistants from Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) International conducting screenings and dispensing eyewear at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town. The endeavor aims to provide eyeglasses, including prescription and sunglasses, to those in need, with further medical attention arranged for cases requiring specialized care.
Lion Daphodil Sampson MJF, President of Lions Club of Tortola, underscored the collaborative effort driving Vision 24, highlighting, “Our partnership with VOSH International, along with other key stakeholders, reflects our commitment to ensuring that no child is hindered in their educational pursuits due to visual impairment.”
Vision 24 epitomises Lions International’s ethos of community service, with a focus on early detection and intervention to preserve eye health. President Sampson noted the meticulous planning behind the initiative, ensuring that the team of volunteers, equipped with cutting-edge technology, can efficiently serve approximately 2,500 individuals throughout the week-long event.
VOSH International’s involvement underscores a broader commitment to global eye care, aligning seamlessly with Lions Club of Tortola’s mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
In Phase One, over 2,000 students underwent pre-screening, with approximately half referred for further evaluation in Phase Two. These efforts reflect the pressing need to address vision impairment, a widespread public health concern that impacts millions worldwide.
As Lions Club of Tortola celebrates fifty-two years of service, the Vision 24 Project underscores their commitment to community welfare.
With meetings held monthly, the club welcomes inquiries and volunteer involvement, underscoring their commitment to fostering a brighter future through clear vision.
For more information on the upcoming screening event or volunteer opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Lions Club of Tortola via phone, WhatsApp, email, or social media channels.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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