Governor William Boyd McCleary underscored the importance of reading among the male population as he encouraged men/fathers to play a strong role in their children's lives. Photo: VINO

The BVI Reading Council's Dads Reach Out and Read programme said farewell to outgoing Governor of the Virgin Islands His Excellency William Boyd McCleary at a simple ceremony at his residence today July 15, 2014. Photo: VINO

Vice President of the BVIRC Ms Elena A. Fahie presents a plaque to the Governor on behalf of the BVIRC. Photo: VINO

H.E Governor William Boyd McCleary receives gift items from the Dad’s Reach Out and Read programme as made by Mr Elroy Turnbull. Photo: VINO

Dr. Quincy Lettsome made a personal gift presentation to Governor McCleary of one of his books. Photo: VINO

A section of the audience at the farewell ceremony this morning July 15, 2014. Photo: VINO

Some more of the attendees to this morning's ceremony. Photo: VINO

The outgoing Governor being presented with another gift at this morning's presentation ceremony. Photo: VINO

Scene from this morning's presentation ceremony. Photo: VINO

This was said by outgoing Governor of the Virgin Islands His Excellency William Boyd McCleary as he said goodbye to the Virgin Islands.

“Men/Fathers are important in a child’s life as women are important in a [child’s] life,” said the Governor.

The BVI Reading Council (BVIRC) which has as its Co-President Mrs L. Lynden Smith held a simple but impressive ceremony today July 15, 2014 at the Governor’s residence to thank Mr and Mrs McCleary for their patronage to the Dads Reach Out reading programme, which they have been actively involved in over the past four years.

Mrs McCleary was the patron and as heard by those present at the ceremony it was her idea to have her husband volunteer reading time to children at the library. He reflected on the many days he had no choice to deal with various levels and stages of children but said that it was something he loved doing and will be missing.

“One of the [things] that I have been interesting in watching… is that there were some men/boys who had done well in secondary and primary school and that was very good to see,” said H.E. McCleary.

He also spoke of the impact technology has had on the physical reading of a printed book as opposed to the ‘in thing’, gadgets. He however expressed the view that there is nothing that replaces a book in the hand.

Several persons from the BVI Reading Council remarked on the contributions made by the Governor and his wife as they noted that he will be missed greatly. One person even mentioned the memories of seeing a large number of children flocking him all fighting for a space on his lap.

The McCleary family leaves the post and the Virgin Islands in the next two weeks’ time and it was noted that that natural father-like, mentorship side of him was never before highlighted in the media.

The couple were presented with a number of gift items from the Dads Reach Out and Read programme as made by Mr Elroy Turnbull, Vice President BVIRC, Ms Elena A. Fahie and Mr Quincy F. Lettsome.