Local News
Safe Haven Transitional Centre Completes Feminine Hygiene Drive
The Safe Haven Transitional Centre (SHTC) has successfully concluded its Feminine Hygiene Drive Outreach Initiative, which was launched in May. The initiative aimed to provide essential hygiene products to women in need across the Virgin Islands, collecting donations of items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, toilet paper, combs, mouthwash, bath soaps, and feminine towels.
Director of SHTC, Mrs. Nellville Bronstorph, announced that ninety-four feminine hygiene packs were assembled from the generous donations received. These were distributed to the Sister Islands through a collaborative effort with Sister Island Coordinator, Mrs. Monel Nickie. The primary goal of the drive was to reach out to women in the Virgin Islands, especially those on the Sister Islands, who are in need of these products.
“This Feminine Hygiene Drive Outreach was birthed out of a desire to make a small but impactful contribution to females within the Territory who we felt might appreciate receiving the items,” Mrs. Bronstorph explained. She added that the initiative was a step towards promoting health, dignity, and well-being for women who might be unemployed, under-employed, or facing other life challenges.
The overwhelming response to the drive allowed the Centre to exceed its initial targets. “Because of this, we were able to provide packages to a wider range of females, particularly in Tortola, after meeting our targets for the Sister Islands. We are beyond grateful to the businesses and individuals who donated,” Mrs. Bronstorph said.
In total, forty-four feminine hygiene packs were distributed on Tortola, twenty-three on Virgin Gorda, seventeen on Jost Van Dyke, and ten on Anegada. Key contributors to the initiative included the Unite BVI Foundation, Road Town Wholesale, Vanterpool Pharmacy, Alphonso Warner Insurance Agency, Republic Bank BVI, CCT BVI, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Akilah Corbin, and Nicosie Dummett. Essential logistical support was provided by Road Town Fast Ferry, New Horizon Ferry Services, and Mr. Trevor Bridgewater, who played crucial roles in transporting the items to the Sister Islands.
The Safe Haven Transitional Centre remains committed to being a catalyst for social change, helping individuals transform their lives under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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