Hundreds of children on Anegada and Virgin Gorda were equipped with school supplies ahead of the 2019/2020 academic year at the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

This little lad seems set for school. Photo: VINO

From left: Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL), Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Sharie B. deCastro (AL), Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Neville A. Smith (AL), Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) and brainchild of the Back to School Fiesta Mr Allington O. Creque aka ‘Gumption display some of the loaded backpacks to be distributed. Photo: VINO

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (AL), 2nd from left, with some of his Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government team at the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 25, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Members of Rotary, including Minister For Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), 3rd from left, at the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

Scenes from the Back to School Fiesta on Virgin Gorda on August 24, 2019. Photo: VINO

This is particularly the case for children of the Ninth District, which encompasses Anegada and Virgin Gorda.

Yesterday, August 24, 2019, hundreds turned up at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground, in the heart of Virgin Gorda, where they had a fun-filled day on the bouncy castles, getting their faces painted, being spoiled for the day with lots of sweet treats and snacks, dancing to the live sounds of the God Movement and even meeting up with persons they may not have interacted with since the close of the school year.

And when the need come to take a bite after all the activities, there were also barbecue chicken and ribs, burgers, hot dogs, hot homemade soup and lots more available.

The children and parents alike were able to participate stress free, knowing that the Back to School Fiesta was taking care of an important expense at this time of year.

Strong support

What started out as an initiative by Virgin Gorda resident and entrepreneur Allington O. Cheque aka ‘Gumption’, exploded when Ninth District Representative and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley and other persons came on board.

More than 47 private individuals, organisations, companies, groups and other legislators pooled their resources to make the initiative a one of a kind experience for families with school children.

Close to 1000 backpacks were sourced.

Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL), Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon Sharie B. deCastro (AL) and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Neville A. Smith (AL) were all helping hands in the distribution of the back packs.

Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (AL) and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) also came out to support the initiative.