Abby O'Neal (centre), daughter of Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE accepting an award on behalf of her father from Karia J. Christopher (left), President of the Rotary Club of Tortola and Ms Lynette L. Harrigan (right), Public Relations Officer of the BVI Festival and Fairs Committee (BVIF&FC). Photo: VINO

Rotarians and guests at the Rotary Club of Tortola's Fiftieth Anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Charlie's Restaurant located at The Moorings on Wickham's Cay II, Tortola. Photo: VINO

Vivian Westwood (centre), daughter of Mr Neville C. Westwood accepting an award on his behalf from Karia J. Christopher (left), President of the Rotary Club of Tortola and Mr Michale D. Riegels QC (right), Lawyer and Past President. Photo: VINO

C. Michael Thomas (centre), son of Clarence C. Thomas, accepting an award on behalf of his father from Karia J. Christopher (left), President of the Rotary Club of Tortola and Ms Stacy-Ann Wynter (right), fellow Rotarian. Photo: VINO

The five Rotarians honoured were: Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, Neville C. Westwood, Roosevelt Smith, Clarence C. Thomas and Bengt Nygren.

Former Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon O'Neal is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Tortola and devoted his life to the mantra of ‘Service above Self’ by serving his electoral district, his country and the Virgin Islands (VI) community. His daughter Abby O’Neal accepted the award on his behalf.

Proud Rotarian

She said, “On behalf of Past President Ralph, I would just like to convey his message that he continues to be a proud Rotarian and especially in these months after the hurricanes Irma and Maria, he is just impressed, encouraged and inspired by all the work that Rotary and the BVI is doing. So be proud of yourself and keep it up.”

Diligent Rotarian

The next honouree was Neville C. Westwood who was also another founding member of the Rotary Club of Tortola and founding partner of the largest law firm in the Virgin Islands, Harney Westwood & Riegels.

“He was an adventurer, excellent administrator, good lawyer and a good friend. Neville was a very diligent Rotarian and he served it as Secretary and President,” said Rotarian Michale D. Riegels

Vivian Westwood, daughter of Mr Westwood, accepted the award on his behalf.

Generous Rotarian

Roosevelt Smith has been a Rotarian for many years and has given generously to the VI community and has led by example as a contractor and businessman.

“I would like to say thanks for this award and it is something special to me. I will continue to give service above self to my club and make it better for years to come,” expressed Mr Smith.

Devoted Rotarian

Clarence C. Thomas was fully devoted to the Rotary Club of Tortola and fully participated in the works of the club.

His son, C. Michael Thomas, accepted the award on his behalf. He said, “My father lived Rotary. His life was Rotary. We grow up around Rotary and I followed my dad’s footstep into Rotary. Anything that had to do with Rotary, Clarence Thomas was there.”

Selfless Rotarian

Bengt Nygren lived in the VI for 35 years and devoted his time and money within the VI community in many areas especially in the areas of health and education.

Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, First Lady and Past Rotary President, during remarks about the honouree stated that Rotarian Nygren gave donations privately and also created a scholarship fund for students who were not born in the VI. In addition, Mr Bengt Nygren assisted with the roofing programme following the hurricanes of September 2017 that allowed many persons to replace their roofs.

Accepting the award of his behalf was Past Assistant Governor of the Rotary Club of Tortola and good friend, Audley Maduro.