President of the BVI Cancer Society (BVICS) Gloria A. Fahie, right, said the rebranding of the BVI Cancer Society was a critical milestone for the non-profit organisation as it continues to grow and assist persons of the Virgin Islands affected by various forms of cancer. Left: The new logo of the BVI Cancer Society. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), right, presents a check for $1000 to President of the BVI Cancer Society Gloria A. Fahie, while Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) captures the moment. Photo; Facebook

Some of the persons in attendance at the BVI Cancer Society's rebranding ceremony at Village Cay Hotel & Marina on Friday, February 4, 2022. Photo: Facebook

Some of the persons in attendance at the BVI Cancer Society's rebranding ceremony at Village Cay Hotel & Marina on Friday, February 4, 2022. Photo: Facebook

Speaking at the rebranding ceremony at the Village Cay Hotel & Marina on Friday, February 4, 2022, Ms Fahie said over the years the Cancer Society has been lending support in the fight against all cancers, but sadly they have also been battling the perception that the society is only a Breast Cancer support organisation.

“For years we have been quietly dispelling this incorrect information. The BVI Cancer Society has been vocal about our interest in all cancers, yet we know that especially male cancer patients are not coming to us as they should.”

She added: “We decided that it is time that we made it clear that we are not about one form of cancer. We care about all forms of cancer, and so the decision was made to do a rebrand.”

Ms Fahie said since the inception of the organisation in the mid-nineties “a lot has changed.”

“Our organisation was started by three friends who were unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer. Today one of those members is still a part of the organization -- Mrs Astrid Wenzke. At the start – breast cancer was the focus, but that changed. This rebranding campaign is for us, a starting line of what we dub to be our year of “MORE”. As was announced in that press release sent following our annual general meeting – the BVI Cancer Society plans to take more action. We plan to give more financial support and we are going to commence some lobbying.”

COVID-19 impact

The BVICS President said during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, “Cancer did not take a vacation.”

“At that time when the COVID-19 pandemic escalated around the world and began to affect the Territory, cancer patients and survivors were not an exception in the pandemic, they are an inclusion; because everyone in the BVI was touched by COVID,” she stated.

Cancer costly

She went on to say that cancer is a very costly disease, comparing it to the cost of a house.

“In fact, I dare say that treatment for this deadly disease can cost as much as a house. Imagine after you have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to be treated, you still have rolling expenses for the continued doctor visits and tests to ensure that cancer has really left.”

She continued: “Couple that with the fact that during treatment you might have lost your job because you are unable to work and you are still faced with your utilities that require payments. Your immune system takes a hit from the entire ordeal, and then comes a pandemic that not only threatens your health but also adds to the financial hardship you were already drowning in. These are a few of the realities the BVI Cancer Society helps to brave.”

In her wrap-up, she said all cancer survivors and patients can rest assured that the society plans to stand taller by their side.

New logo

To complement the rebranding ceremony, the society also has a new logo, one that she said defines the society’s identity – people touched by cancer, doing more to help persons battling cancer.

“The main feature of this new logo is the colourful ribbons that represent various forms of cancer. The logo could not feature every cancer ribbon, so we made sure that the ribbon that depicts all cancers was there. And just in case the message of our general interest was missed we have added a slogan. The BVI Cancer Society’s slogan is: “We Fight Cancer In All Its Forms.”

Moment of silence for departed

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie(R1) who also delivered remarks at the rebranding ceremony, led the gathering in a moment of silence for those who died of cancer over the years of the existence of the society.

"I just want to continue to encourage everyone to press forward and the most difficult thing about cancer and other illnesses,” he later remarked.

Relating that he has at least two family members that have been touched by cancer, Premier Fahie said, “I understand the drain, the strain and the stress that it can put on you as a family financially, emotionally, and every lead that you can find. But the one thing that you cannot do with money is teach people the resolve to want to hang in there. Because the truth of the matter is even if they die trying to fight cancer, they did not lose the war. "

$1k donation

In the meantime, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) made a financial donation to the society in the sum of $1,000 on behalf of Premier Fahie and himself and his wife. 

The Health Minister also pledged to do more to aid the work of the society not just financially but also legislatively.

“We know that we have a lot of work to do. There is the cancer registry that the government must put in place because there are international and regional agencies that can lend me if we have our act put together here. So we are fighting for that for you so that we can then get this going,” Honourable Malone added.