Global conversations
Like many other people, I regularly pass by the little ruined church with no roof, on the other side of the road from Cedar School, in an area called Kingstown or Kingston. If you slow down or stop at the site, you will notice a BVI Tourist Board sign that this is “St Philip’s Anglican Church Ruins, the Church of the Africans”. But what is the story behind this church? … Read more »The Church of the Africans
This year Commonwealth Day is being observed on 11 March. For many of us in the BVI, it is a wonderful opportunity to escape the office on a Monday and enjoy all that the Territory has to offer. I’m heading off to Anegada with the Dark ‘n’ Stormy Regatta. But it is important to reflect on why it is that we mark Commonwealth Day with a public holiday. Whilst the … Read more »Commonwealth Day
Today, Friday 8 March, marks the 102nd International Women’s Day. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. It has been observed since the early 1900s, celebrating and empowering women the world over. Each year, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. It is celebrated in different ways around the world – from … Read more »International Women’s Day
Last week, I had a visit from the trustees of the BVI Movember Charitable Trust, of which I am Patron. The trustees presented the Trust’s fundraising totals for 2012 and discussed the initiatives they hope to take this year to fight prostate and testicular cancers in the territory. They also asked me to grow another moustache this coming November. What is this all about? Scott Hart, one of the founding … Read more »Movember: Changing the Face of Men’s Health
On 10 December, the world celebrates International Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the birth of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration is vitally important to all of us. It embodies the ideal that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. It is of historical interest to note the UK’s contribution to the birth of basic human rights. In 1215, a number of … Read more »International Human Rights Day
I was delighted to present Mrs. Inez Brathwaite with the BVI Badge of Honour at a recent Investiture Ceremony. It is important that we honour and recognise the stalwarts in our community and Mrs. Brathwaite is just that. Her life has been characterised by focus, service, prayer and commitment to the Virgin Islands, a legacy that is not easily forgotten, particularly by those who have been touched by her life. … Read more »BVI Badge of Honour for Former Educator
With a name like McCleary, it’s not surprising that many people assume I am Scottish. I actually come from Northern Ireland. But ancestors on both sides of my family were Scots. As a young man, I did once wear the kilt and sporran at a relative’s wedding. And I have not felt any inhibition in celebrating St. Andrew’s Day or Burns Night in the various places I have been posted … Read more »St Andrew’s Day
On Sunday 11th November, people in the BVI joined millions of others around the world to commemorate those who have lost their lives in war. We marked the day this year with a ceremony at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College involving ex-servicemen, representatives of uniformed organisations and ordinary members of the public. Everyone present wore a red poppy. The service was led by Kevin Smith, himself a former serviceman. … Read more »Poppy Day in the BVI
Monday 29 October saw the worldwide launch of Chevening 2013. “What is Chevening?” you might ask. Well, it is the name given to the scholarships the British Government offers to talented, young postgraduate students from around the world to go to the UK to study. It aims to identify future leaders and decision makers from across a wide range of fields and careers that will return to their home countries … Read more »Launch of Chevening 2013
There is a saying that you wait for ages for a No. 12 bus and then two come along at once. Well the BVI, having not had a visit by a UK Minister since 2009, has just had its second such visit inside six months. Henry Bellingham MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories visited in April 2012. Last week his successor, Mark Simmonds MP, spent two days here. And of … Read more »UK Minister Visits the Territory: ‘A Friend of the BVI’