NAGICO Insurances Staff, Ms. Niasha Penn (left) and Ms. D’Elle George (right), handed over the cheque to Kids And The Sea (KATS) youth sailor, Kitannie Lewis. Photo credit: supplied

Managing Director of NAGICO Insurances, Mr. Shan Mohamed, accompanied by other staff members, Ms. Niasha Penn and Ms. D’Elle George, handed over the cheque for $5,000 to the Chairman of KATS, Mr. John Lewis and KATS youth sailor, Kitannie Lewis at a brief presentation last Tuesday.

Mr. Mohamed said that NAGICO has been supporting youth sailing in the Virgin Islands since 1999 and is pleased that the company can continue the partnership with KATS.

"We believe that this is a worthy project to be involved in because it teaches kids how to swim and how to sail. The Government has been speaking recently about developing the marine industry for Virgin Islanders and I believe that this program plays an important role in the development of sailors, captains and divers among others. We are extremely pleased and it is one of those programs that we hold very dear to our heart," Mr. Mohamed stated.

Mr. Lewis thanked NAGICO for the donation and said the funds will be used for the general upkeep of the KATS programme.

“We are indeed pleased that NAGICO has found it necessary to sponsor one of our IC-24s. During the Premier´s Cup Regatta there will be a team which is always sponsored by NAGICO and that team will wear the NAGICO T-shirts. They will also sail in the NAGICO IC-24. This is a wonderful decision by NAGICO to support our youth sailors,” Mr. Lewis said.

The regatta opened last evening, Friday, July 12, 2013 with a welcome reception at Peg Legs hosted by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. The Hon. D. Orlando Smith and concludes with an awards ceremony on Sunday July 14, 2013.

Ten teams, including defending two-time champions Anguilla, are participating in this year’s regatta and residents are encouraged to support the youth as they race in the waters just off Nanny Cay.

The event is the only youth team sailing regatta in the Caribbean and brings together young people between the ages of 10 and 18 for a weekend of fellowship and competition.

The regatta receives huge support from the Rotary Clubs in the Virgin Islands.