Expected to attract in excess of 150 persons, Chairwoman Ms Zoe J. Walcott, in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, disclosed there has been a marked increase in the cases of cancer particularly on the western end of the main island, Tortola. Photo: VINO/File

VIP observes 48 yrs by supporting BVI Cancer Society. Photo: Provided

Venued at the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park, the formal affair gets underway at 6:00PM and Tickets can be obtained at the ‘One Stop Mall.’

This year’s ‘Philantropic Honouree’ for the VIP is the BVI Cancer Society.

Expected to attract in excess of 150 persons, Chairwoman Ms Zoe J. Walcott, in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, disclosed there has been a marked increase in the cases of cancer particularly on the western end of the main island, Tortola.

Cancer Increase 

“It was last year that I became aware that there has been an increase of cancer patients from the western side of the island as later confirmed by the president of the BVI Cancer society Ma Gloria Fahie.”

According to Ms Walcott, “…while I personally cannot speak to conclusive evidence as to why there has been an increase more so on the western side of the island, we do recognize that more needs to be done and those needs are being met by philanthropic associations such as the BVI Cancer Society who continue to do an outstanding job.”

She related that the BVI Cancer Society celebrated 20 years last year 2018, "where we have seen over the years an aggressive campaign to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families."

Outstanding Leadership Award 

The Chairwoman did point out that “this does not take away from the other associations that are doing remarkable works here in the territory, for which we will endeavor to show our support, gratitude and appreciation for all the work that they do.

According to Ms Walcott, “this 48th anniversary celebration will be the first of many where the intent is to ensure that we give persons their flowers while they are alive and also in this case with the philanthropic award to do our part to also recognize those persons, members of associations who continue to go above and beyond to give back selflessly to members of this Society - they are what I call Legacy preservers.”

Ms Walcott disclosed too that Premier and Minister of Finance—and VIP Leader—Honourable  Andrew A. Fahie (R1), “who is an Honouree at this years’ event is the youngest Premier of the Virgin Islands—48 years-old at a time when the VIP celebrates their 48th Anniversary—will be receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award.”