Acting President of the BVI Cancer Society Ms Gloria Fahie (in black) is appealing to the government of the Virgin Islands to negotiate with the United Kingdom for free cancer treatment to be made available on the territory. Photo: VINO

The BVI Cancer Society has issued a call for more persons to come forward to volunteer with the organisation. Photo: VINO

2013 has seen a significant climb in the number of persons, groups and organisations joining the cause. Photo: VINO

The Catholic Youth Envisionairs on Virgin Gorda has join the cause as advocates for the BVI Cancer Society and the furtherance of its work. Photo: VINO

“Every year we get a $20,000 from government. We have clients whose treatment cost $21,000 for one month. We would love to get some more from government but at the same time we know they can’t give us nothing close to what is actually needed to take care of our clients, we are aware of that and we are not asking for that,” said Ms Fahie.

She explained that citizens of the Virgin Islands are eligible for free cancer treatment and care in the mother land, United Kingdom, but said many persons are unable to benefit from this because of the constraints of travel expenses and other factors.

“I really think that the Premier or the Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie Skelton need to put it on their agenda to lobby that the free treatment comes directly to the BVI so our people can have direct access. We really need it,” Ms Fahie argued.

The cancer survivor noted that with the current subvention provided by the government a great portion usually has to go back to pay some legal fees, including annual audits, which are required by law if they are to continue to receive the monies.

“Sometimes this defeats the purpose because we have to pay x amount to the auditor, x amount to lawyers for legal procedures, it ends up defeating the purpose. If we have a wider range of persons volunteering then it could go a longer way. We need volunteers in as many fields as possible; lawyers, doctors, social workers, grassroots people, we need them on board,” stressed Ms Fahie.

According to the President (Ag.) of the BVI Cancer Society, recently the society has been getting much more support than ever in the history of the society. She was loud in praise for at least two organisations on Virgin Gorda that have joined the cause and have been very committed.

Mention was made of Ms Deborah Bruce and the Catholic Youth envisionairs who have been calling for training of young persons to become stronger advocates. The organization also had its first fundraiser last weekend. The group raised in excess of seven hundred dollars via a cake sale. “Deborah and her group are so upbeat and we will continue to partner with them,” commented Ms Fahie.

Ms Laura Fox and Arlyn Gordon were also recognized for their efforts at assisting in raising funds. The two had collected sale items from the BVI Cancer Society headquarters and managed to raise $935 recently. “It was remarkable because they did it in just two days, just two days,” stated Ms Fahie.

“I want to thank and encourage the people of Virgin Gorda. They had a Walk/Run for a Cure too and it was well supported.”