Ninth District Representative and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), left, presents a cheque for $1000.00 to Pastor Paul Ricketts of Sanctuary of Hope Music School. Photo: VINO

Ninth District Representative and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), left, presents a cheque for $1000.00 to Mr Sam Alexander of the Virgin Gorda Music School. Photo: VINO

Children learning to play the steel pans at the Sanctuary of Hope Music School. Photo: Facebook/File

According to Hon Wheatley, speaking at his Town Hall Meeting at the Catholic Community Centre on January 23, 2020, the Block Party had received overwhelming support from fellow legislators, the business community and even private individuals and all of the money was not spent.

The first term legislator took a decision to use the funds to assist four persons interested in pursuing music.

Hon Wheatley used the opportunity at the Town Hall Meeting to present a cheque of $1000.00 each to the Sanctuary of Hope Music School and Virgin Gorda Music School.

The cheques were received by Pastor Paul Ricketts and Mr Sam Alexander respectively.

“We raised a little more funds than we needed,” Hon Wheatley said, adding that “we got together and decided what can we do with this money to help young people… we so decided to donate to Virgin Gorda’s two music schools.”

He said the donations are towards the fees for four youths who wish to attend the music schools but cannot afford the costs.

Support the youths- Hon Flax-Charles

At the community meeting, Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL), herself a musician, attested to the quality of the youths who participate in the music schools.

“Whenever you see an advertisement for a concert or recital, please come out and support you will be very, very surprised of what the children can do.”

Hon Flax-Charles also reported that dance classes are being held on the Sister Island for the very first time.

“In Virgin Gorda we have started dance classes for the first time in many years. Instead of having one dance school we actually have two. We actually have boys in one of the classes as well.”

Hon Smith wants more support for Raw Skillz Track Club

Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Neville A. Smith (AL), who was also present at the Town Hall Meeting, had spent the day interacting with the youths on Virgin Gorda and also called for more support for them, including in the area of sports.

He spoke of track coach Erwin S. Telemaque aka ‘Coach Redz’, who he said was doing a remarkable job with youths through his Raw Skillz Track Club.

Hon Smith pleaded for more support for the track club.

“We have to do a lot more for community, we cannot depend on government for everything, we have to work together. And from how I see it, Virgin Gorda is a community minded district and I see it as a strong community, so I want you all to continue doing that.”