Al Frett and Mr. Christopher of the BVI Little League Baseball/Softball Association are presented with a check from Hon. Myron Walwyn to continue their work on Anegada. Photo credit: Charlie Jackson/VINO

As Minister Responsible for Sports, Hon. Walwyn has promised equal opportunity for all youths across all the Islands so that they may realise their full potential and live healthy active lives. Photo credit: file

According to Hon. Walwyn during his Election Campaign many young people from the Sister Islands of Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke complained about a lack of facilities for sports and recreation

“We must develop a Virgin Islands where all of our citizens have access get equal opportunity to fulfill their true potential. I remain concerned about those sister islands because we as a people and as a government haven’t done enough to ensure they have the same access and enjoy facilities as on the mainland”

Hon. Walwyn noted that whilst the people of those Islands would still traverse the waters to utilize facilities on the mainland he was concerned that they didn’t have the same opportunity “I would like to see a proper recreational ground on VG with a rubberized track, I would like to see a proper softball field, I would like to see the Jeffrey Caines arena covered and I would like to see a proper softball field on Anegada so that all our young people can realize their full potential”

The BVI Little League Baseball/Softball Association has been spending their own time, money and effort to establish a field on Anegada and the Minister acknowledged those unselfish efforts “I have been over there and have been impressed with the work they have done so far and therefore the Govt. of the VI would like to present them with a check for the association so they can continue the project” he said.

Al Frett and Mr. Christopher were on hand to accept the check on behalf of the Association

With Hon. Walwyn's plans to ensure equal opportunity across all the Islands comes a promise to establish a Department of Youth Affairs and Sports on VG within the next budget cycle “We had a very good summer programme here on Tortola, but we were unable to do the same on VG, Anegada and Jost van Dyke. If bigger countries with more people and more islands can get it done then we should be able to here.

The Minister expressed how important the Government thought recreation and sports were, noting that we have to live healthy and productive lives. These are just some of the reasons why we saw the opening of the field as so important. He added, “If we don’t provide equal sports and recreation opportunities to all the people we run the risk of missing out on future great athletes and leaders as well as the ability to live active and productive lives. As a people we must do our part to ensure all virgin islanders have the tools to succeed and opportunities for improvement."