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VIslanders Wade Smith & Cynthia Brannigan to be honoured

- @16th Annual Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship (NHMS) Luncheon in USVI on Oct 25, 2015
Commissioner of Customs Wade Smith (left) and Retired Educator Ms Cynthia Brannigan will be honoured at this year’s staging of the 16th Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship (NHMS) Luncheon in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands (USVI) on October 25, 2015. Photo: Provided
The League of British Virgin Islanders is a non-profit organisation which was founded by visionaries, to bring together British Virgin Islanders and Belongers, in a social and cordial setting. Photo: File
The League of British Virgin Islanders is a non-profit organisation which was founded by visionaries, to bring together British Virgin Islanders and Belongers, in a social and cordial setting. Photo: File
First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie (left) was honoured at the 15th Annual Norwell Harrigan Scholarship Luncheon at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa in St Thomas, USVI on November 3, 2013. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie (left) was honoured at the 15th Annual Norwell Harrigan Scholarship Luncheon at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa in St Thomas, USVI on November 3, 2013. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
 Mrs Stephanie Benn collects her award at the 15th Annual Norwell Harrigan Scholarship Luncheon at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa in St Thomas, USVI on November 3, 2013. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
Mrs Stephanie Benn collects her award at the 15th Annual Norwell Harrigan Scholarship Luncheon at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa in St Thomas, USVI on November 3, 2013. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Commissioner of Customs Wade Smith and retired educator Ms Cynthia Brannigan will be honoured at this year’s staging of the 16th Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship (NHMS) Luncheon in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands (USVI) on October 25, 2015.

The two Virgin Islanders are among five persons selected to be honoured this year.

The others are Mr Allison "Allie" Petrus, businessman and former Senator of the US Virgin Islands; Mr Elvin "Skinny" Stout, longtime affiliate with Native Sons Ferry Service; and Mrs Yvonne E. Milliner Bowsky, lifelong educator in the US Virgin Islands.

The Luncheon is an annual feature of the League of British Virgin Islanders which, according to Honouree Ms Brannigan, seeks to raise funds for the group’s scholarship fund and has been a recognised group that bridges the relationship with the two Virgin Islands territories – USVI and VI (British).

“This group is made up British Virgin Islanders who live in St Thomas and since 16 years ago, I think Dr Norwell Harrigan started it before his passing, the Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Every year they have an occasion, usually it’s a Luncheon to raise funds for that memorial scholarship fund,” explained Ms Brannigan to Virgin Islands News Online.

She further explained that annually the foundation selects persons from the USVI and VI who are honoured in recognition of their hard work and contributions to their respective territories.

Total surprise

Being named as one of the honourees for this year came as a total surprise to her as she never imagined or expected to be selected for such a recognition. “I am humbled because I never even thought of it. When I was told, 'you are one on our list for this year', it was a big surprise to me because I never ever had such a thing in my thoughts at all,” she told this news site when contacted earlier today, September 30, 2015.

When contacted, Mr Wade Smith was unable to comment at the time as he was otherwise engaged but has promised to communicate on the topic at a more convenient time.

It is said that the most important goal of the League of British Virgin Islanders was to link the two Virgin Islands, positively impacting their communities and strengthening the inter-relationship. The League today continues to follow the same goals of offering community assistance and providing assistance to Virgin Islanders through education.

About the Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship

The Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Dr Norwell Harrigan who joined the then College of the Virgin Islanders in 1968. Dr. Harrigan became the Associate Director and subsequently Director of the Caribbean Research Institute before retiring in 1984.

The Norwell Harrigan Memorial Scholarship offers financial assistance for two years to [British] Virgin Islanders, who have graduated from a secondary school in the [British] Virgin Islands or the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.

Annual scholarships continue to offer financial aid for several previous and present students in their pursuit of higher education.

The proceeds from the Luncheon in October will go towards the scholarship fund.

The 15th Annual Norwell Harrigan Scholarship Luncheon was held at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa in St Thomas, USVI on November 3, 2013 and the Virgin Islanders honoured included First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie and Registrar General of the Civil Registry and Passport Office Mrs Stephanie Benn.

18 Responses to “VIslanders Wade Smith & Cynthia Brannigan to be honoured”

  • rattie (30/09/2015, 15:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oookkkm
  • question (30/09/2015, 15:31) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    isn't Skinny from VI (BVI) too?
  • Yes (30/09/2015, 17:02) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply

    s****y should be honored as a boxer also for the amount of smith ferry staff that he knocked out in the past.

  • wake forest (30/09/2015, 17:05) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    Wade was close to the NBA and never even sponsored a basket ball team much less held a clinic...well sah!
  • DON Q (30/09/2015, 17:26) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Who choose these ppl
  • Cil (30/09/2015, 17:42) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    I understand honouring teacher Cynthia, but what is Smith being honoured for again?
  • chad (30/09/2015, 19:00) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mrs. Brannigan is one of the nicest person I ever met in my life!!! And she's an excellent teacher . Nuff respect and love mom!!!
  • objective (30/09/2015, 21:35) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    Wade Smith is a disciplined, hardworking and sincere person. Critics should stay away from making unfounded comments about Mr Smith.
    • @ objective (01/10/2015, 00:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      I second the motion dem just jealious it beg tis mw here blogging
  • We say (30/09/2015, 22:21) Like (6) Dislike (15) Reply

    No other eligible for the honor? Strupes. The man ain't even care bout he officers, won't even negotiate better salaries for them. Some making less than minimum wage comparin to the work they have to do. The hole ting gone to hell in a hand basket. Only care bout self, not even family bcuz he mash up dat too. Find somebody else pleaaaaaaase. There are a lot more deserving of this honor. Give it where it is due.

    • randy (01/10/2015, 07:49) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      You sound like a lazy customs officer. Instead of blogging nonsense, why don't you work 1/2 as hard as Mr Smith and you may be on the Queen's Honor List. Mr Smith is the best Customs head in the region. Kudos to you Mr Smith. A lot of people admire your hard work, sincerity and honesty. A true son of the soil.
  • wall (01/10/2015, 00:59) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    wade is good people he tries and teacher B is star
  • hahah (01/10/2015, 06:05) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply

    Congrats Mrs. Brannigan but Wade come on. 

  • Congratulations (01/10/2015, 06:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Skinny you are one of the hardest working captain out there. Keep up the good work. Congratulations to Mr. Smith, you have to be doing a great job that they talking about you. Keep up the good work. Congratulations Ms. B.
  • bvislander abroad (01/10/2015, 08:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats, Teacher Cynthia!! You deserve this honor. For as long as I can remember, you have been making outstanding contributions to Education, the Girl Guides/Brownies/Rangers and much more.
  • TB (22/10/2015, 23:34) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    You all choose wade over alot of persons here in the BVI, not a prob, The Bvi didn't see any reason to honor him... God don't sleep and don't like dirty minded people. remember the bible story of pharaoh. watch as the days count down from.............th .....
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