V.I. Connections

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Good Samaritan Foundation of Haiti Hosts A Fundraising Event For Primary Schools of Haiti

On Sunday, March 15, the Good Samaritan Foundation (GSF) of Haiti will host a fundraising event entitled a ‘Coffee Morning with Cinnamon Rolls in the Rainforest’ that will begin at 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

GSF will be collecting donations of money and supplies beneficial for the two primary schools in Haiti, the Ile a Vache School at La Hatte and the Imect School.

Artist Mandy Thody, who lives near Frederiksted manages the proceeds of the fundraising event that will all go for the improvement of the schools.

Tortola Rotary with GSF built the Ile a Vache School at La Hatte that has been running for four years. 150 children from this poor offshore island are now attending this school. GSF also hosts medical and dental clinics at Ile a Vache as well as the new expansion programs such as micro-lending system and technical training classes for all ages.

Imect School started in 2001 but was destroyed in a Haitian earthquake. When Thody and Virgin Islands friends started the rebuilding of the school, 100 children attended just under a tarpaulin. Gradually, the school has been successfully rebuilt that is now with three kindergarten classes and six grades. Currently, 230 children are enrolled at Imect School. In fact, it has been achieving a very high 95% passing rate.

Through the efforts of GSF, Tortola friends and other generous supporters, both of the schools manages to serve rice and beans or maize for lunch, which are the children’s main dish of the day. However, laptop computers are still needed for administration and communications. GSF also still seeks for more sewing machines, electric or manual, and hand or power tools for communal workshops.

This Sunday at the fundraising event, the $10 for coffee and a giant cinnamon roll baked fresh by Mandy’s daughter, Merryn, in her Nidulari Bakery with wood-fired brick oven on site, will be donated to the organization.

Haitian and local crafts, artwork including raku tile by Mandy are as well for sale at the event.

The event will take place at No. 2 Little Lagrange, just past the Lawaetz Museum at the old stone house on the north side of Mahogany Road.

For more information about the Good Samaritan Foundation of Haiti’s school at La Hatte and the IMECT primary school near Petit Gouave, go to www.goodsamaritanofhaiti.com, or like “Good Samaritan of Haiti’s Coffee Morning!” on Facebook.

Good Samaritan Foundation of Haiti Hosts A Fundraising Event For Primary Schools of Haiti

90-Year-Old Historical Church at Cane Garden Bay Demolished

A historical landmark that encloses the Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church, which stood for almost 90 years has been demolished Wednesday, March 10 for the construction of a new one.

Reverend Jeanty Maurose, head of the congregation said that the long-standing structure has already fallen due to old age and it already needs renovation. He also said that though the establishment encompasses significant historical reputation, the destruction became necessary for the safety of everyone who would visit the church.

“I know the history has been a concern – even for us as the church, but it has reached a point where the only thing that we can do now is to rebuild it because of the state of the building itself. It is an old building; it has been there since 1926. With the state of the deterioration, the only thing that we can do now is to replace it with a more modern building,” Rev. Maurose said.

Reverend Maurose also said that for the mean time members of the congregation would worship at Carrot Bay Methodist as the renovation takes place. The reconstruction of the area will take up to 9 months that made possible with the help of donations from the fundraisers.

In an anniversary booklet, members of the church mentioned the former struggles they experienced for the approval of the area’s renovation. But somehow they managed to overcome the issues, “the initial plan proposed building the church within the confines of the current site, and approval was given by the relevant Government authorities and the Leeward Islands District Conference in 2012.”

“However, we give God thanks that a way was opened up for us to acquire land behind the church, and this led to the revision of plans to make effective use of the space. On the path to receiving final approval for commencing construction of the new building, we have had many struggles and frustrations, but God has been faithful in getting us to this point.”

In 1924, the old Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church has encountered a hurricane that forced the people rebuild the place. After 2 years, which is in 1926, the people managed to reconstruct the church that has been demolished today.

“This chapel has also impacted the community and other surrounding communities in a powerful way by housing the village school for many years. Children walked from as far as Brewers Bay, Meyers, Chalwell, Doty and Mt. Fertile to attend school,” according to church members.

“There is no denying the role of education in the building of both this country and the church. Many who served in teaching roles were also instrumental in the life of the church, which seemed natural as both aimed at uplifting the people,” they added.

Church members proudly said that within a number of decades, even before the emancipation era, the Cane Garden Bay Methodist has been a torch and light of hope of the community. Whom up to now still provides the same encouragement and support to people, and at the same time strengthens the community’s bond.

90-Year-Old Historical Church at Cane Garden Bay Demolished

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Enticing Raffle Items at St. John Historical Society Announced

On March 10, Tuesday, St. John Historical Society will host “A Look Backtime: Historic Art Show and Sale” that will begin from 5:30-8:00 pm. The event will take place at the Grand Ballroom of the St. John Weston.

Venue at Westin St. John
(c) starwoodhotels

The event should not be missed as the list of items and gifts to be raffled at the show are enticing in addition of the works of the local artists showcased at the event, performances by Bo, light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

The ticket to the event is $5 each but only $20 for five tickets. Lucky winners of the event don’t have to be present to win.

Proceeds of the raffle will help the Historical Society to achieve its long-term mission and that’s to have a home of its own.

The first prize of the raffle includes a two-night stay for two at the Villa String of Pearls (which is worth more than $1,000); a sunset sail on Cloud 9; and $200 gift certificates from Ocean 362 and Waterfront Bistro.

While other prizes include:

A round trip on the Love City Car Ferry

One-hour massage from Tropical Palms

Manicure and pedicure from Nancy’s Nail Spa

$50 gift certificate from Pesce on St. Thomas

$50 gift certificate from Pink Papaya

$25 gift certificate from Lime Inn

$50 gift certificate from Cruz Bay Landing

Pizza and a six pack of soda from Ronnie’s Pizza

Books: “St. John Backtime,” “St. John Voices” and “Adrift on a Sea of

Blue Light”

While the items prepared for the Silent Auction are:

Emerald and diamond ring donated by one of our members

Restaurant gift certificates from Ocean 362, Virgin Fire, The Terrace Restaurant, the Fish Trap Restaurant, Da Livio, Lime Inn and Vista Mare

Two-day stays at Carambola Resort on St. Croix and Estate Lindholm on St. John

Teeth whitening and cosmetic consultation from St. John Dental

$200 gift certificate from Michael Sheen Fiberglass

Walks and/or tours with Eleanor Gibney, Ken Wild and Ronnie Jones

Danish Christmas dinner for six from Robin Swank

Vintage Lisa Etre tray

Jewelry from Vikki Willis’ Lotus Moon Studio

St. John basket charms with chain by R&I Patton

Two-hour “Mini Mud” class from Pottery in Paradise

Half-day sail for two on Cloud 9, donated by Diana Hall

Mahogany-framed tile from Elaine Estern

Paddle board rental for two from Arawak Expeditions

Framed etching by R.W. Birch, donated by Janet Cook-Rutnik

Hand-turned wooden pens, donated by Pam Richards-Samuel

$125 gift certificate for a car servicing from Community Motors

Framed water color from Lucy Portlock

Two ceramic hanging pendant lights from Catherine Perry

Matted print from Christian Wheatley

Two unmatted water colors from Robert Willis

Wooden bowl and two hours of instruction for hand-turning wood, donated by Avelino Samuel

Mahogany light box from George Hollander

Water color, donated by Livy Hitchcock

Several out-of-print books, including “Life in Five Quarters,” donated by Robin Swank and Larry Boxerman

Two books, donated by Eleanor Gibney

An article on the St. John basket by Bernie Kemp, donated by Diana Hall

Framed painting, “Sunset Harbor” by R. Youle, donated by an anonymous member

Visit the organization’s website at http://stjohnhistoricalsociety.org/visit/cultural-and-historic-resource to know more about “Cultural and Historic Resource Center” future plans.

For more information, contact Lonnie Willis, president of the St. John Historical Society, at 693-8590.

Enticing Raffle Items at St. John Historical Society Announced

Virgin Island Gets 23 Awards From American Advertising Awards 2015

The prestigious 2015 American Advertising Awards just launched its winners where out of the 994 entries across the Caribbean, 23 of the titles was clenched by Virgin Islands including a top Judges Choice award.

The following is the list of awards that the territory got:

TOP AWARDS:

Judges’ Choice for Self Promotion:

MLB Creative Responsive Website (Mlbcreative.com)

VIRGIN ISLANDS WINNERS

Bellows International

SILVER: Coors Light “Chili Cook-Off” Campaign

Efex Photography

GOLD: Choice Wireless Happy Campaign Photography

GOLD: Choice Wireless Happy Single Photo

MLB Creative

GOLD: Choice Wireless Coaster and Coffee Warmer Ad Specialty

GOLD: Choice Wireless “Data Hog” Multi-Media Campaign

GOLD: Choice Wireless “Find Your Happy” Multi Media Campaign

GOLD: Frenchtown Brewing Company T-Shirt

GOLD: Frenchtown Brewing Company Logo

GOLD: Caribbean Buzz Helicopters Animated GIF

GOLD: MLB Creative Website for Responsive Design / Judges’ Choice for Web Design

GOLD: Reichhold Center for the Arts Website

SILVER: Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament Ad

SILVER: Choice Wireless “Mobile Express” Vehicle Graphics

SILVER: Choice Wireless “Find Your Happy” Online Campaign

SILVER: Choice Wireless “Find Your Happy” Original Music by Deli Banger

SILVER: Choice Wireless “Find Your Happy” Micro Site

SILVER: McDonald’s “McCombo of the Day” Radio Spot by Deli Banger

SILVER: McDonald’s “How Do You Kazoo” Carnival Campaign

SILVER: MLB Creative Grand Opening Invitation “It’s Official. We’re Frenchies”

Project A

SILVER: “Lumeh” Illustrated Book Design

Steve Simonsen Photography Inc

SILVER: The Buccaneer Hotel Cinematography

TellTale Pictures

SILVER: USVI Department of Tourism “So Nice” TV Spot

The American Advertising Awards, formerly known as ADDYs, is the advertising industry’s leading and most representative competition, enticing over 40,000 entries to join every year in local AAF Club (Ad Club) competitions. The duty of the American Advertising Awards competition is to “recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.” And this year, Virgin Islands has been successfully recognize in 23 significant titles, proving that Virgin Islanders got what it takes in immense fields of different industries.

Virgin Island Gets 23 Awards From American Advertising Awards 2015

The Annual Antilles Spring Gala and Auction Gathered More Than 500 Guests

The yearly event of Antilles Spring Gala and Auction happened again Saturday, March 7, to raise funds for the students’ scholarships and to support the significant programs of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

This year’s Antilles Spring Gala and Auction successfully brought 500 guests to Mark C. Marin Center School. The participants bid for more than 200 items auctioned at the event. The items included of gift certificates, local services, luxurious trips abroad and the featured valuable items of the renowned local artist Ensor Colon such as watches, signed souvenirs and an abstract painting that was even created same day at the event. The painting was won by Antilles alum Chantel Hoheb.

An art show organized by Robin Fredey, local artist and graphic designer, and curator Priscilla Hintz-Rivera was also one of the main draws of the year where a lot of the visitors got excited about.

The organizers felt touched and overwhelmed with the number of people who came at the event. They said they expected that the event would be just like the former ones, but turned out several significant artists such as Antilles alum Shansi Miller supported the event.

One of the segments of the event was “Stand-Up for Kids” portion, where generous crowds have been given the opportunity to donate monetary needs that would help the STEM’s programs. On the other hand, benefits from the silent auction goes to Antilles’ financial aid program for the welfare of more than half of the student’s population.

The items auctioned at the event came from the donation of parents, local businesses, and children of Antilles. The event also included dinner and live performances.

This yearly event of Antilles School continues to bring glee and hope in the hearts of our future’s hope, the young students and their loved ones, while participants also benefit from the worthy gifts they receive. The organization hopes that the community will never fail to support their annual event that has a significant goal and mutual dream for progress.

The Annual Antilles Spring Gala and Auction Gathered More Than 500 Guests

Monday, 9 March 2015

BVI Pushes The Battle With Bullying

The territory continues to battle the prevalence of bullying that happens right under our noses. The young generation, despite of youthfulness and innocence, also suffers from this unacceptable act that should be treated as a huge issue of the schools. To eliminate this maltreatment that plants fears and trauma in the hearts of the children, Guidance Counselor for the Alexandrina Maduro, Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools in the East End Community of Tortola, Shunice A. Leonard, prepared strategies to finally solve the problem.

“Bullying is a serious issue that affects our school aged children in the BVI and they were several students that had reported to me that they were fearful of staying in their classrooms. They were also fearful because they were being bullied by others on campus and not only in their classrooms,” said Leonard.

Leonard concluded that to eliminate bullying she laid the techniques in three main ways: Classroom Guidance, then the Door Decorating Contest and a march, where the Willard Wheatley Primary School has spread awareness by showcasing signs and placards with a theme “Be a Buddy not a Bully”.

“I also have students who reported to me that they were bullied on the internet which is cyber-bullying and I said ok, instead of dealing with these cases on an individual basis why not create a school wide programme. So I created this anti-bullying programme for my three schools across the border. So I came up with the Bully Free Awareness Week. It’s a week that started from March 2nd through March 6th. It entails three different parts; three initiatives,” Leonard explained.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) led and assisted the march, which comprised of the students and teachers wearing a mutual shirt designed with heart that also stated the march’s theme. The procession started at the playground to the streets of East end Tortola. After the march was an event where poems, songs and interactive messages from Showtime Band Members ‘Drastic’ and Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman were the highlights.

Island Manager Mr. Lennon G. DaBreo of Delta Petroleum BVI, one of the event sponsors was as well present to give a remarkable speech for the crowd. While, victims of bullying were also given the opportunity to stand up and conquer the stage and offered songs and poems about bullying.

Ms. Leonard, as part of the Classroom Guidance, went to each of the classrooms to interact with the students, where she heard their stories and educated them about bullying. “I heard their stories and answered their questions and I also, at the end of the discussion we had, asked them to make a pledge to help commit to creating a safe school going at their schools and on that pledge they made a commitment to respect themselves and others, lend a hand to others that are being bullied, report all forms of bullying as well as try to commit and stay committed to creating a safe school going at their respective schools and if they were willing, cause they were not forced, they signed the document and I kept it. Of course consequences will be given if they broke their pledges but so far I haven’t had any, but I’ve seen more persons, more students reporting they’re being bullied and so forth and I handled it on that individual basis,” she said.

The Door Decorating contest happened last Thursday March 5, where assigned students spruced up their classroom doors about bullying. Willard Wheatley Primary School got the first prize of gifts from Nagico Insurances, while the other participants received certificates of participation.

BVI Pushes The Battle With Bullying

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

V.I. History, Culture and Tradition Month Kicks Off

V.I. History, Culture and Tradition Month began last Monday, March 2 where students of Ricardo Richards Elementary School offered traditional and ethnic performances to the audience.

Photo: Stcroixsource

Most of the participants were 6^th graders where Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights backed up the music. Several quadrille dances, performance art and reenactments entertained the crowd while also leaving a mark of the past.

Paulette Edwards was the teacher and organizer of the event. She said this is a yearly opportunity to celebrate the roots of the territory’s culture and the school will continue educating the younger generations in hope of vibrantly passing the culture to them.

The practice of gingham was reeducated that day, where students supported the bright and colorful ties of the gingham. Gingham was a traditional pattern used in clothing.

Photo: Stcroixsource

The student brought the desks and chairs at the schoolyard in able to watch the performances. Though it was quite sunny that day, the students learned to manage by going under the shades and umbrellas.

Fabio Parrille, school’s guidance counselor led the Ricardo Richards Quadrille Dancers to briefly teach about the basic moves of the traditional dance.

Photo: Stcroixsource

“The purpose was to introduce the students to as much Virgin Islands’ history as possible,” Vialet said.

St. Croix Heritage Dancer Member, Bradley Christian, guided the students in the maypole dance. While Zahra O’Reilly led a group of singers and dancers in an energetic rendition of “We de Yah” by Toby Derima from Express Band.

The month of March is full of activities for V.I. History month. One of the highlights of the month that’s filled with culture and ethnicity, is the fifth annual “Taste of Ricardo,” where students bring local treats to sample.

According to Edwards, they give back to Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights by giving donations that would surely help to support the music scholarship of the group.

V.I. History, Culture and Tradition Month Kicks Off