Honourees

The honorees, Mr Conrad A. Maduro; Mrs Dinis Chalwell; Mr Algernon Chalwell (the Chalwell Duo Team); Ms Janice A. Stoutt; Mr Walford Farrington aka “Bennu”; Mrs Carmen Hodge-Venzen; and Mr Edwin Forbes, were all recognised for their extraordinary commitment and community contributions over the years, according to a press release from VICA.

President of VICA, Ms Melissa M. Potter warmly welcomed the guests and delivered a stirring speech highlighting the need for residents of the Virgin Islands to work together for a better VI.

She said, “The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) is about bringing us, as a people together. As family and friends, we should all embrace and preserve our cultural heritage.”

Amongst the attendees were Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1); Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL); Representative for the Sixth Electoral District, Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines; Representative for the Second District, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull; former Premier, Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE; Deputy Governor Mr David Archer Jr; and President of the League Of BVIslanders in St Thomas, Mr Moleto A. Smith.

Cultural Baton passed

An additional highlight was the historic Cultural Iconic Baton passing from stalwart Cultural Icon, Ms Eileene L. Parsons OBE to local cultural playwright, story teller and poet, Ms Janice A. Stoutt.

The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA), a non-profit civic organisation, was founded by a group of concerned Virgin Islanders. The main objectives of the organisation are to promote and facilitate the preservation of native traditions, heritage, customs, history and social identity, through cultural and educational-based activities that will be undertaken throughout the Territory.

To promote VICA’s objectives, some of the activities proposed include a traditional ole time ‘BVI style’ Christmas; genealogy workshops; community meetings; historical sights restoration; a Cultural Experience Midnight Cruise; and an Annual Fun Day - Island hopping tour of the Virgin Islands.

VICA is the organisation that will promote the fact that “we are one people and we must have one voice”.

VICA’s Executives

VICA’S executives are: President, Ms Melissa M. Potter; Vice President, Dr. Harlan Vanterpool; Secretary, Ms Anna Rabsatt; Treasurer, Mr Cecil Hodge; Public Relations Officer, Mr Bertrand Lettsome aka ‘Washasha X’; Administrative Officer, Ms Sarai Smith; Chairperson, Disciplinary Board, Mrs Isis Potter; Chairman, Finance and Economics, Mr Wilbert Malone; Chairman, Democracy and Governance Board, Mr Ishmael E. Brathwaite; and Chairman, Education and Culture, Dr Brian Penn.