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Fr Ronald Branche & wife bestowed with Honourary Belonger status

- The well known couple leaves the territory after 13 years of service
'Government of the Virgin Islands – Be it known to all that Father Cannon Ronald Branche has on this the 19th day of September 2015, being declared a Honourary Belonger of the Virgin Islands and in recognition thereof, is being presented with this certificate. Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE Premier of the Virgin Islands,” read Acting Premier Dr The Hon Kedrick D. Pickering during the presentation of the Belonger certificates to Mr Ronald Branche and wife Mrs Heather Branche. Photo: VINO
The celebrations were two-fold as it was also Mrs Heather Branche's birthday. Photo: VINO
The celebrations were two-fold as it was also Mrs Heather Branche's birthday. Photo: VINO
Opposition leaders, past and present, were among those at the Saturday September 19, 2015 farewell banquet for Father Cannon Ronald Branche and his wife Mrs Heather Branche. Photo: VINO
Opposition leaders, past and present, were among those at the Saturday September 19, 2015 farewell banquet for Father Cannon Ronald Branche and his wife Mrs Heather Branche. Photo: VINO
The Rt Rev E. Ambrose Gumbs. Photo: VINO
The Rt Rev E. Ambrose Gumbs. Photo: VINO
Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE also attended the farewell banquet for Father Ronald Branche and Mrs Heather Branche. Photo: VINO
Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE also attended the farewell banquet for Father Ronald Branche and Mrs Heather Branche. Photo: VINO
Mr Audley Maduro, Senior Warden of the St George’s Episcopal (Anglican) church and his wife Mrs Delma Maduro in the company of Father Ronald Branche last night. Photo: VINO
Mr Audley Maduro, Senior Warden of the St George’s Episcopal (Anglican) church and his wife Mrs Delma Maduro in the company of Father Ronald Branche last night. Photo: VINO
Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Ingrid A. Moses having a cordial moment with Hon Julian Fraser RA, and Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE. Photo: VINO
Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Ingrid A. Moses having a cordial moment with Hon Julian Fraser RA, and Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE. Photo: VINO
First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, MA, TEP sharing in the atmosphere of celebration. Photo: VINO
First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, MA, TEP sharing in the atmosphere of celebration. Photo: VINO
Fifth District Representative Honourable Delores Christopher and her husband. Photo: VINO
Fifth District Representative Honourable Delores Christopher and her husband. Photo: VINO
Miracle Touch steel orchestra. Photo: VINO
Miracle Touch steel orchestra. Photo: VINO
To standing ovation and loud rounds of applauds, the announcement and presentation were made last night September 19, 2015 by Acting Premier Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering at a Farewell Banquet held in honour of the couple at Maria’s By the Sea. Photo: VINO
To standing ovation and loud rounds of applauds, the announcement and presentation were made last night September 19, 2015 by Acting Premier Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering at a Farewell Banquet held in honour of the couple at Maria’s By the Sea. Photo: VINO
Entertainment for the night included performances by the church group 'God’s treasures'. Photo: VINO
Entertainment for the night included performances by the church group 'God’s treasures'. Photo: VINO
Dinner prepared by Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO
Dinner prepared by Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO
Dinner prepared by Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO
Dinner prepared by Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO
Dinner prepared by Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO
Dinner prepared by Maria's by the Sea. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Father Ronald Branche and his wife Mrs Heather Branche were decorated with certificates legitimising their status as Belongers, thanks to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D Orlando Smith.

To standing ovation and loud rounds of applause, the announcement and presentation were made last night, September 19, 2015, by Acting Premier Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering at a farewell banquet held in honour of the couple at Maria’s By the Sea.

“Government of the Virgin Islands – Be it known to all that Father Cannon Ronald Branche has on this the 19th day of September 2015, being declared a Honourary Belonger of the Virgin Islands and in recognition thereof, is being presented with this certificate. Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE Premier of the Virgin Islands,” it was stated in the certificate.

Speaking at the gala style banquet, Hon Pickering alluded to the unswerving commitment of Father Branche, not only to his duties over the church and its arms but also to the House of Assembly’s monthly prayer breakfast.

“Some of you may or may not know, we hold a prayer breakfast in the House of Assembly on the first Thursday of every month. It started back in 2003 and Father Branche has been the only chaplain for the prayer breakfast in the House of Assembly. And one of the most amazing things about that prayer breakfast is if one person shows up Father Branche is there on time,” said Acting Premier Pickering.

He further said that Father Branche would be sincerely missed now that he is returning to his homeland Trinidad and Tobago and that the prayer breakfast committee of the House of Assembly will have to meet to decide on a successor.

Thank God I didn’t win the government

The night’s activity was one with an even mixture of remarks for political leaders and the church but it was a light moment when Leader of the Opposition Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) took to the podium.

Addressing the gathering, Hon Fraser expressed that he was hard pressed to understand, despite him having the highest appreciation and admiration for what they do, why people like Father Branche choose to subject themselves to serve in that profession. “Even though it appears to be thankless and glamourless, I must admit, however, that I am convinced beyond any doubt that the two more humanly service driven professionals are preachers and politicians.”

He explained that in his view they are both committed to serving the people and are obviously under remunerated.

There was more laughter when Hon Fraser said that he had just cause to relate to the first line taken from William Cowpers hymn, “God Moves in a mysterious way”.

“….I say it is yet another good reason for me to say thank God I didn’t win the government because I could hear you Anglicans blaming me, a Methodist, for him (Father Branche) leaving,” joked Honourable Fraser as he complimented Father Branche for being an excellent preacher and a good man.

Others who spoke were Mr Audley Maduro, Senior Warden of the St George’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church and the Rt Rev E. Ambrose Gumbs.

Entertainment for the night included performances by the church’s group God’s treasures, the St George’s Liturgical Dancers, Ms Bridget Bristol who did storytelling, Miracle Touch Steel Orchestra and Mr Cave Stoutt.

Among others present at last night’s banquet were First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Honourable Delores Christopher and husband, Speaker of the House Honourable Ingrid A. Moses and Former Premier and former Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

22 Responses to “Fr Ronald Branche & wife bestowed with Honourary Belonger status”

  • wize up (20/09/2015, 11:29) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    wonderful
  • Andrew Cox Sr & Family (20/09/2015, 11:36) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    thanks you Father & Lady Branche for your contribution to the territory especially towards the development of the education system and Spiritual upliftment....special thanks to you from Andrea Cox( we all truly love you)
  • yes (20/09/2015, 11:45) Like (16) Dislike (29) Reply
    It is all a political gimmic. What has he done more than all the other pastors have done. Other pastors serve at the house of assembly. His flock cannot boast about his faithfulness. How many did he pastor too? Seemingly he was too busy with the NDP
    • wize up (20/09/2015, 12:55) Like (55) Dislike (6) Reply
      @ yes; I honestly feel your pain: but father Branche did more than just tell us how good God is and what we will do when we all get to heaven: the man set a system in place whereby the children of our territory can have an alternate educational facility and I will submit St George's School system is a good one: God is good but he wants us to have knowledge and understanding and these factors come through a good solid education: other pastors comes to BVI collect a pay check while reminding you how good is our God: Father Branche built an educational system in our country....but "yes" I feel your pain (God be with U)
    • TORTOLIAN (20/09/2015, 14:36) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
      You are an idiot, you are obviously out of touch or else you wouldn't have made such an ignorant comment...check the records and then comment.. You are a complete idiot who has nothing to offer but taking up good fresh air
    • Boastful Flock (21/09/2015, 10:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      For the inquiring minds like yourself that wants to know and definitely needs to know. Father Branche arrived in 2002 and at that time the Anglican Congregation was in need of someone to uplift their whole system. At that time it was still run by the so called church polices who were stuck in their old ways and ran young people out of the church. So I would say he arrived when the Anglican Congregation was already crippled. I can remember vividly as I was a teenager.

      Father Branche composure, decorum, and banking background was just what we needed as a congregation. The first project he completed was rebuilding the church (we had church services for just about a year every Sunday under a tent on the Cay). Next he envisioned having a secondary school as we already had one of the top private primary institutions (and believe it or not today St Georges Secondary School is one of Father Branches living testimonies). And lastly the rebuilding of the primary school after the school suffered from asbestos for years and was very hazardous to the health of our children. the things mentioned are only what you can see, but there are many other things he was instrumental on as being party of the Christian Council board he did a lot for religion in the territory.

      So my dear friend you see, I am sure your record of contributing to anything in the BVI is not as accomplished as what Father Branche has done in the 13 years he spent here. He came here and served selflessly he saw needs and acted on them. He not only elevated his church and congregation but also the BVI community, and for that we can not thank him enough. So he is very deserving of Honorary Belonger Status.

      Yours sincerely,
      Proud Member
      St. Geroges Anglican
      Boasting about his faithfulness
  • APPLIE PIE (20/09/2015, 12:28) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bye bye father b
  • Jimmy smith (20/09/2015, 13:05) Like (22) Dislike (8) Reply
    To the person who sign as YES,
    You are just another roach, who hate to see any thing good you must give the man some credit. He came originally for two years, he has been here for 13 that says something. pick the beam out of your eyes fix you own family business first. Some of us ar nothing but detractors and confussion makers.
    • Jones (20/09/2015, 20:59) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      Many people came for a year or two and stayed even longer, but they didn't get favoritism like this.
  • Big in the BVI (20/09/2015, 14:00) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    Jimmy Smith u can't vex with Yes they here for 13 years not even Residency Straight to Belonger people have to live 20 Years to get exemption it is all who u make friends with in the BVI they are not the first.
    • wize up (20/09/2015, 17:23) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ big in the bvi: just a side bar- under the Virgin Islands Party administration a white guy was bestowed honorary belonger status and that white man did not contribute as father Branche did for our community; this was done between 2006-2011 and all the white guy did was sailed his boat in to the territory ( VINO carried that story).loads of white folks just reach and free of immigration regulation: I left school 35 years ago and persons I knew while going to school still require immigration regulation..
  • one eye (20/09/2015, 15:46) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    where is the photo minister?
    • shantel (20/09/2015, 17:41) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      Father Branch I wish GOD blessings thanks for your prayers and your word of encouragement during my sickness I am a Methodist and I did not see one minister you have done a lot for ST GEORGES SCHOOL and we all should be grateful for that .
  • 007 (20/09/2015, 20:57) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    Sorry but I just don't get this. The guy has been working here for 13 years and gets belongership, others have been here over 20 years and are still on work permit. Why are people (and governments) still to scared to speak against the false teaching that religions offer? This is not the dark ages, there is plenty of information out there for people to learn about the world from, not to be indoctrinated with nonsense that doesn't have an ounce of truth in it and then those that indoctrinate this foolishness get treated better than the very people they have preyed on.
    • wize up (20/09/2015, 22:29) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      @ 007: why don't you buy time on one of the radio/tv stations then you can speak out on those things that you have issues with....
  • Jill (20/09/2015, 23:42) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hope his flight is direct to Port of Spain!
  • Criteria (21/09/2015, 08:26) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    What`s the criteria? Why is that person here for 40 years paying taxes for forty years, never broke the law still waiting. What`s the criteria? A child born here still have to go to immigration to get time. What`s the criteria? Did father Branch show any concern about those people. Did he asked about them? God can`t be pleased.
    • Music (21/09/2015, 10:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You all seem to miss the point that it is HONOURARY BELONGERSHIP, which confers no rights whatsoever. BVI does not have many gongs it can confer.
  • .......... (21/09/2015, 11:44) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can list one of his major accomplishment - He stopped the "Dutty Whine" from coming to the Virgin Islands.........lol.
    Father Branche is a good dude.
  • PW (21/09/2015, 14:56) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is a wonderful man!!! We are so going to miss him. He is no where near boastful, cocky, and vain. He is humble and simple and tell it as it is!!! You can approach him anywhere and chit chat, he always have time to lend his ears and offer advise. Can we say that bout other pastors around? This is my first time seeing him in a suit. WOW
    I know on many occasions I saw Father Branche on the compound on Saturdays helping the kids prep for CXC, look how he rebuild the church, school and create the high school. There are so much more we can list the great he have done.
    Hope he comes and visit us.
  • @ all the naysayers (21/09/2015, 15:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is an Honorary Belongers Certificate. It has no real value. I think some of you people should got to St Georges school to learn to understand the English Language. You people are too shallow.


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