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Eustace C. Freeman In! Stephen Payne Out! as Exec. Dir. of Recreation Trust

- 3-year appointment gets approval from Cabinet
Mr Eustace C. Freeman aka 'Boss', left, has replaced Barbados national Stephen Payne, right, as Executive Director of Recreation Trust. Photo: Facebook/Provided
Multi-Purpose Sports Complex: The Executive Director of the Recreational Trust is responsible for the day-to-day operations of all recreational facilities in the Virgin Islands that are owned by Government on all islands, among other administrative responsibilities. Photo: VINO/File
Multi-Purpose Sports Complex: The Executive Director of the Recreational Trust is responsible for the day-to-day operations of all recreational facilities in the Virgin Islands that are owned by Government on all islands, among other administrative responsibilities. Photo: VINO/File
The first local Executive Director of the Recreation Trust is a former national basketballer, events organisor, musician and youth advocate- Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss’ Photo: VINO/File
The first local Executive Director of the Recreation Trust is a former national basketballer, events organisor, musician and youth advocate- Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss’ Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The post of Executive Director of the Recreation Trust will be held by a Virgin Islander for the first time since its creation some eight years ago.

The man to fill the post, replacing Barbados national Stephen Payne, is well-known sports organisor, musician and youth advocate, Mr Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss’.

Cabinet’s approval!

Mr Freeman’s appointment as Executive Director of the Trust for a period of three (3) years in accordance to Section 6A(1) of the Recreation Trust (Amendment) Act, 2012 received the consideration and approval of Cabinet at its May 12, 2021 meeting at the Financial Services Commission’s Conference Room.

According to the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands - Post Meeting Statement released to the public on May 20, 2021, His Excellency, the Governor Mr John J. Rankin, CMG, chaired the Meeting where all Members were present.

Locals were snubbed for post in 2013

There was controversy when the post, which was created in 2013 under the then National Democratic Party (NDP) government, was given to an expatriate when several locals had applied, including Cliff W. Williams, Elvis J. Harrigan and Devon U. Osborne.

Payne’s appointment in 2013 had received the backing of now-ousted Minister for Education and Culture Myron V. Walwyn.

At the time, one of the applicants, Mr Osborne, had expressed disappointment he was unable to get a job in his own country.

Another applicant Mr Roy E. Garraway had said he didn't have much to say only that "It pays to have friends in high places."

Origins of post

The post of Executive Director of the Recreation Trust was created under the Recreation Trust Act 1966, which received major amendments in 2012.

The Recreation Trust is a statutory organisation that falls under the Ministry of Education and Culture and assists the Ministry with the development and maintenance of recreational grounds and facilities throughout the Territory.

At the time the Executive Director’s position was deemed very important to the proper functioning of the Recreation Trust.

The Recreation Trust (Amendment) Act 2012 had also shifted the responsibility of appointing members of the Board from the Governor to the Minister for Education and Culture.

27 Responses to “Eustace C. Freeman In! Stephen Payne Out! as Exec. Dir. of Recreation Trust”

  • Rubber Duck (21/05/2021, 10:11) Like (19) Dislike (11) Reply
    Vip always supports local funny man always shaft the locals now trying to make a come back
  • Bulldawg (21/05/2021, 10:32) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so happy for the change in that post.
    Always good to give a new person a chance rather having one person in there for so long.
    Lets hope that Boss performs as good as Payne or even better.
    Good luck my friend.
  • the boss (21/05/2021, 10:42) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hey Boss, congratulations. Well deserved my friend. Only one bit of advice. Be fair in all your decisions and all that you do and you will be respected by all.
    • @The boss. Be fair (21/05/2021, 18:13) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Leave the people's monies alone, its not yours..Break the trend..Be an example..
    • Phil McCracken (21/05/2021, 20:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congrats Boss, well deserved. Look forward to seeing some accountability and action for this truly fantastic and important resource that contributes a positive outlet for our youth. All the very best.
  • Cross eye (21/05/2021, 11:19) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    FOLKS , NOW YOU KNOW I CANT SING ABOUT THE HANDS THAT FEED'S ME.
  • Qualifications (21/05/2021, 12:00) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply
    what are his qualifications to be awarded this pst?
    • Stacey (21/05/2021, 13:46) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      Mr. Freeman been in and around sports forever and i am sure you cannot become a director of anywhere without qualifications.
      • what does that mean? (21/05/2021, 14:58) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
        Being in something forever doesn't mean that you are capable/ you are an expert. some people do the same thing over and over and never get anywhere. While I understand that he has an opportunity to prove himself, has he fully engulfed himself with the required knowledge to pull off the job? We all like to see our own succeed but lets not go with this I'm from here mentality. It sometimes doesn't work as sometimes, the ones from here simple cannot do the job. This is not a difficult job so more than likely he will succeed. However, when others are aware post of this nature, their background and qualification in the field are posted as well.
        • what does this mean (21/05/2021, 15:25) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
          Do not confuse Mr. Freeman achievement with that of those on boards who know nothing about area. If I remember correctly he was trained in Jamaica and holds a Bachelor in relative field. The problem with us is we so accustom of the wrong appointments being done in the BVI that now when stuff are being done right we cannot recognise it. I wish this young man well, I know he will do good things.
      • Treadstone (22/05/2021, 05:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Except BVi.
      • But (23/05/2021, 10:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        But what are his qualifications though? Not knocking just asking. Msybe it might inspire others.
  • Ok now (21/05/2021, 12:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    basketballers will now get to use the gym more frequently
  • fraser (21/05/2021, 13:02) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well deserved , that young man trajectory is unfolding before our eyes.
  • Oshhii (21/05/2021, 13:12) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    We just hiring anybody these days?
  • Yes I (21/05/2021, 15:12) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    1/2 breed antiguan
  • Nepotism (21/05/2021, 22:39) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    one of alvera soldiers
  • Mine (22/05/2021, 07:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hear what Mr Garraway had to say," ⁷iit pays when you have friends in places.".remember he went to an invited meeting when he was told that thr fire station contract was in his lap. He had no idea a godfather had done perform the duties. Like he aint learn a thing from Romney..bytheway greed is blind
    .
  • A VOTER IN #6 (22/05/2021, 10:56) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    IM HERE WONDERING WHAT IS BOSS QUALIFICATION?
    • Grudge match (22/05/2021, 15:25) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @A Voter in #6 - when Boss' qualification has been relayed do also fish for Payne's qualification and at the same time, let's all hear where you stack up. Thank you Mr Payne and Congrats and Good Luck Freeman. The ishhhh never ends in this place.
  • buttah (25/05/2021, 09:04) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    thank GOD!


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