Nona Vanterpool Bonelli, CEO of Vanterpool Enterprise Limited and Vanterpool Pharmacy, has expressed immense national pride in contributing to the community through the Road Town Partnership Programme. As a member of the Road Town Partnership Committee, Vanterpool Bonelli identified a hazardous project: the repair of a damaged railing along the roadway near Banco Popular, which was affected during the 2017 hurricane season and decided to take on the project. Photo: Nona Vanterpool Bonelli

The project to reconstruct the railing near Banco Popular began in mid-January and was completed by the end of the month—one day early and under budget. Photo: Nona Vanterpool Bonelli

The damaged railing along the roadway near Banco Popular, which was affected during the 2017 hurricane season has now been reconstructed. Photo:Nona Vanterpool Bonelli

The project was constructed by contractor Garner Abraham and painted by Wilston (Stick) Stoutt. Photo: Nona Vanterpool Bonelli

As a member of the Road Town Partnership Committee, Vanterpool-Bonelli identified a hazardous project: the repair of a damaged railing along the roadway near Banco Popular, which was affected during the 2017 hurricane season and decided to take on the project.

Gift to the town 

Speaking with Virgin Islands News Online, Vanterpool-Bonelli referred to the reconstruction of the railing across from The Watering Hole as a "gift to the town," coinciding with her company's 55th anniversary this year. 

“We are going to celebrate our 55th anniversary in business this year, and giving back has always been part of our legacy and culture. I identified the need for this project because the condition of the railing seemed very dangerous, and it had been in that state for over 10 years, so I decided that was a good project to take on."

Highlighted the role of business & government partnership  

Vanterpool-Bonelli emphasised the need for partnerships between businesses and the government to tackle projects in the territory. "It is very important to have partnerships with the government since the government cannot do everything, and although we need to hold governments accountable, we still need to assist in certain areas," she remarked.

She expressed her happiness to partner with the government on this initiative, stating, "I think it is beneficial to the community, the condition that the wall was in, to me it needed to be reconstructed. I think it was dangerous, it was a hazard, and I am happy to have the opportunity to do it."

Official dedication 

An official dedication of the newly reconstructed railing will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The officiant will be Canon Julien Clarke, who is also Nona Vanterpool-Bonelli’s godfather. 

The project, which began in mid-January, was completed by the end of the month—one day early and under budget. Vanterpool-Bonelli expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, “We were able to finish in two weeks and one day ahead of schedule. It came in slightly under budget. We planned and executed well, and I’m pleased with how everything went with no disruption to traffic.

“I hope the community enjoys it. Now that it’s fixed and safe, I also hope it inspires other businesses to undertake similar projects that will assist the government.”

Other businesses should undertake projects 

She further encouraged other businesses throughout the territory to give back to the community by initiating projects that could improve their areas. "I feel enormous national pride in having completed this project for the community. I encourage every business to do the same—to assist where you can. While we must hold the government accountable, they cannot do it all alone and need our support. By taking care of the space you occupy, keeping it clean, you help the entire community. I hope others are inspired to follow suit," she concluded.

The project was completed by contractor Garner Abraham and painted by Wilston Stoutt, AKA 'Stick'.