Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

56 youths gain skills in local scuba diving

- Through Bitter End Yacht Club/Foundation summer program collaboration
Some 56 youths in the Virgin Islands have completed a successful local educational and enrichment program on scuba diving and the wonders of the underwater world, thanks to the Bitter End Yacht Club and the Bitter End Foundation. Photo: Provided
Bitter End Yacht Club is a family-owned island outpost known for its historical charm and is accessible only by sea, attracting travelers and yachting enthusiasts from around the globe for nearly 50 years. Photo: Provided
Bitter End Yacht Club is a family-owned island outpost known for its historical charm and is accessible only by sea, attracting travelers and yachting enthusiasts from around the globe for nearly 50 years. Photo: Provided
VIRGIN GORDA, VI – Some 56 youths in the Virgin Islands have completed a successful local educational and enrichment program on scuba diving and the wonders of the underwater world, thanks to the Bitter End Yacht Club and the Bitter End Foundation.

The Summer Programme working in collaboration with Unite BVI and Sunchaser Scuba was executed while observing cautionary programmatic modifications in light of current concerns around COVID-19.

Youths introduced to the joys of diving 

Commencing on July 21, and carrying on through the summer, the 56 youth from local communities—45 from Virgin Gorda, 7 from Anegada, and 6 from Tortola—took part in an ambitious Summer Scuba Diving instructional program led by a Bitter End Yacht Club-based Sunchaser Scuba.

Of those participants, 32 took part in the PADI “Discover Scuba Diving” segment, while 24 took on the PADI “Open Water” dive curriculum.

“The goal of the program was to introduce local youth to the joys of scuba diving and watersports while educating them on the value of marine life to the territory. And, to present them with skills needed for future opportunities in the local watersports and scuba diving economy,” a release from the Bitter End Yacht Club Stated.

“We feel it is a great opportunity to show the community how amazing diving is,” said Kay Van Leuven from Sunchaser Scuba.

Underwater ecosystem explored 

“Our students can share their knowledge about the underwater world and the experience itself with the community. Our goal was to show them the incredible world down there and the immense need to protect this natural resource,” she added.

Ms Lauren Hokin, a founding family member of Bitter End Yacht Club said the financial and logistical support as well of the knowledge of the organizing teams allowed the youths to have an opportunity to see and experience firsthand the ‘awesomeness’ of one of the BVI’s greatest assets, its vast and diverse underwater ecosystems.

“This was an eye-opening and inspiring experience for many of the participants and it’s our hope that opportunities like this can have a long-term impact on these children's lives."

11 Responses to “56 youths gain skills in local scuba diving”

  • guy hill (10/10/2020, 10:38) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good Vibes only. Continue to do your very best.
  • Niceee (10/10/2020, 10:42) Like (0) Dislike (35) Reply
    Great I Hope is only local kids with local parents or only white people kids. Not from down the Caribbean Sea children
  • SCB (10/10/2020, 12:03) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a wonderful and positive story.
    It’s an awesome world down there!
    Great to see the smiles on the faces of the young people who experienced the program!
  • @ Niceee (10/10/2020, 12:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can't be naturally so stupid that's impossible so I am wondering what is your motive. I bet two bull bud in your backside will get you righted.
  • the rock (10/10/2020, 14:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    They is a young lady from the sea cows bay area..a Ms Powel just finish her dive instructor certificate at 16yrs of age..big up to her..a local born and bred!
  • Ghost (10/10/2020, 18:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a beautiful story.. all of the kids look happy. One would have to experience For themselves how truly awesome Under the sea is- just lovely.. even just to snorkel is amazing.. BVI- great Dive/snorkeling spots.. I hope they keep it up..
  • ausar (10/10/2020, 21:10) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Let's hope that upon completion and certification, these children will be involved in the diving, sailing, and maritime industries in the Virgin Islands, instead of the importation of expatriates and others!
  • rewrsdffds (13/10/2020, 10:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks to the BEYC and Unite BVI for all the funding to allow these kids the opportunity to get there under the sea experience. Hopefully they will keep going and enter the maritime industries here


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.