From left: Acting President of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Mrs Janet B. Smith and President of the Lions Club of Tortola Carvin Malone at the press conference on March 27, 2017 to announce the partnership with HLSCC. Photo: VINO

The building on the left is to be demolished to facilitate the construction of the Virgin Islands Heritage Resource Centre at Paraquita Bay. Photo: VINO

At a press conference at the college at Paraquita Bay on the main island of Tortola on March 27, 2017 Lions Club of Tortola President, Lion Carvin Malone, MJF detailed plans for the construction of the building to house the centre, one he said is not likely to cost no less than $750,000 or no more than $1.2 Million.

“Today, (March 27) the Lions Club of Tortola is pleased to officially announce our partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community for the design, construction, opening and functioning of the Virgin Islands Heritage Resource Centre. It would represent our most ambitious public/private joint venture project but one in which could be the most rewarding.”

According to Mr Malone, it would be rewarding because once completed and staffed, the project promises to properly document, preserve and display Virgin Islands history, studies and heritage.

“It would be made to serve, not only scholars but residents and visitors alike. Our story must be told and the Lions Club is pleased to be affiliated with an establishment that is prepared and committed to providing the platform from which it can be told,” said Mr Malone.

Money yet to be raised

However, Mr Malone explained that, while the club does not have that sum of money in hand for the project, they will be embarking on a number of fundraising activities.

“It will cost money, lots of money, but the cost of not completing this project is immeasurable. Lions would again be calling on our sponsoring corporate and individual partners; Calling of noted resident philanthropists and calling on everyone interested in the documentation and preservation of Virgin Islands history and heritage.”

The first fundraising activity will be the club’s 45^th Anniversary Gala Dinner on April 28, 2017 at The Moorings Marina Restaurant.

Notable achievements

“The 27th of April 2017 will mark the 45^th anniversary of the Charter of the Lions Club of Tortola. The Charter document was signed by 20 service minded citizens, including our sole surviving Charter Member, Lion Leando Nibbs, MJF. As a member of the World’s largest service organisation, Tortola Lions have attained a record of service of which all members are pleased. Annually Lions have facilitated eye screening sessions at primary schools; Lighting of the Christmas tree; Delivery of Christmas Food Baskets and; The hosting of Games for Special needs Persons. Most notable, however, has been our stellar record of partnering with Government and Non-Governmental agencies and department in adding value or in the construction and development of critical public infrastructural projects.”

Lions, in past years, have partnered with the Social Development Department in the re-construction of homes damaged by fire; the National Parks Trust for the design and construction of restroom facilities at the Queen Elizabeth II Park; Town and Country Department for the installation of Lions Welcome Signs in various Communities throughout Tortola; Premier’s Office for the design and construction of restroom facilities at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, and BVI Health Services Authority for the Purchase and delivery to Peebles Hospital of an Ultra Sound Machine, Vascular Access Surgical Equipment and an operating room Orthopedic Bed among many other community initiatives.