The Prince of Wales speaking to the children at the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) yesterday during his first visit to the territory. Photo: VINO

From left: Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert; Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George and Stacy 'Buddha' Mather, Executive Director of YEP addressing the children. Photo: VINO

Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George (left) and Stacy 'Buddha' Mather (right) during the visit of his Highness yesterday, November 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George leaving the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in East End after touring the school and speaking with the teachers and children. Photo: VINO

Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George greeting ministers at the Queen Elizabeth II Park yesterday, November 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George and His Excellency Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert greeting residents of the Virgin Islands (VI) on his first official visit to the territory on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George greeting members of the heritage dancers at the Queen Elizabeth II Park yesterday, November 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

Scores of residents turned out despite the cloudy skies and heavy rainfall to meet the Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George at the Queen Elizabeth II Park on November 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

Following the meet and greet at Queen Elizabeth II Park, the Prince of Wales, Charles P. A. George was invited to a reception at Government House. Photo: VINO

Representative of Baltimore Reliable Benefit Service (BRBS) commented that it was an honour to see the Prince of Wales, while expressing that her company assisted with the cleaning preparation of the Queen Elizabeth II Park. Photo: VINO

Starting on the eastern side of the islands, the Prince visited the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), BVI Red Cross and Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) prior to getting up close and personal with members of the public at the Queen Elizabeth II Park.

In a few invited comments from residents, the commissioner and the Opposition Leader, they all shared the same sentiments- that they were happy the Prince took the time out to get a firsthand look at the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria.

"The Prince's visit is timely"- Hon Fahie

Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, Leader of the Opposition and First District Representative, in an exclusive interview expressed, that Prince Charles' visit is "timely" as he is getting to see the "firsthand damages" as a result of two category 5 hurricanes.

He further stated that the Prince visiting the VI is good publicity internationally and hopes that the territory will get the assistance that it needs.

"I think his visit is timely and it is priceless for us internationally and with the United Kingdom (UK). I hope that out of this will come better understanding of the challenges that the BVI is facing in the recovery process and more assistance would be forthcoming because of the firsthand view that the Prince had.

He continued, "I think it is always good that when we have challenges in our overseas territories and someone as high a level in the Royal family takes time out, it shows that they care more than some would have us believe, while adding that he is happy he visited and it will be good for the territory.

"The Prince's visit will draw attention to the VI" - CoP 

Meanwhile, in an invited comment with Commissioner of Police, Michael B. Matthews, he told our newsroom that the Prince's visit is "vitally important" so he can see for himself the devastation and bring publicity to everybody.

The commissioner explained, "I think its vitally important that we have dignitaries and VIPs come and see this for real. The heir to the throne is taking a personal interest in the Virgin Islands and has come all this way for himself to see how people have suffered but also how people are getting back up on their feet, while noting that this draws attention to the world and shows everyone that the VI is trying its best but still requires assistance.

Commissioner Matthews revealed that he was "delighted" to hear that His Royal Highness was visiting the territory but noted that it required a lot of planning.

He said, "It required a lot of planning to make sure that we don't disrupt the communities too much but to make sure that as many people as possible get to see the Prince because that's one of his ambition as he gets to meet the real people here in the Virgin Islands."

"It was a thrill to have him here" - Stacy 'Buddha' Mather

During an exclusive interview with Executive Director of Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), Stacy 'Buddha' Mather, he disclosed that it was a "thrill" to have the Prince visit YEP, adding that he took the time out to talk to the children and staff.

"I think for us as an organisation it was a thrill to have him here. He is the heir to the throne and he took the time and actually went to each room and he was very personable with each child. He made jokes and laughed with them and the staff. We were very happy," expressed Mr Mather.

Speaking with a representative from Baltimore Reliable Benefit Service (BRBS), they stated that it was good that the Prince came to see how the territory is doing after the hurricane.

The representative commented that BRBS cleaning service assisted with the cleaning preparations at the Queen Elizabeth II Park.

"I was excited when I heard that the Prince was coming to visit the BVI to see for himself how badly affected the BVI was after that monster storm," expressed Kevin M. James, a UK national who now calls the VI his home after moving here 20 years ago.