Still missed by many who came to love the familiar voice of veteran broadcaster Mr Merritt A. Hurbert aka 'Merretts', September 23, 2019, marked two years since the Virgin Islands (VI) lost a true son on of the soil. Photo: Provided

Mr Merritt Herbert passed away on September 23, 2017, after suffering a stroke earlier in that year, and now, to celebrate his achievements in the sector, the Herbert family, led by daughter Delker E. Herbert Vardilos, have banded together to launch the 'Merretts Herbert Memorial Fund', an initiative aimed at helping youths pursue careers in the communications sector. Photo: Provided

At the 1 year anniversary of this death, the staff at ZBVI remarked via a facebook post, 'It's been quite a journey getting things back in order without him, as he was always a doer, a take-charge and brooking no-excuses kind of man. Although we miss him, we are proudly upholding and carrying on his legacy.' Photo: Facebook

Mr Herbert passed away on September 23, 2017 in Connecticut, USA, after suffering a stroke earlier in that year.

Now, to celebrate his legacy and achievements in the sector, the Herbert family, led by daughter Delker E. Herbert Vardilos, banded together to launch the 'Merretts Herbert Memorial Fund', an initiative aimed at helping young people pursue careers in the communications sector.

Helping Youths 

"Two years ago today, my father Merretts Herbert took his last breath. Remembering him today and every day... Although it still doesn't seem real, we continue to be thankful for all he did for his family and his greater community. His legacy lives on through us," Ms Vardilos posted in the Facebook Group, the Real BVI Community Board.

"In his memory and honour, today we are announcing the establishment of the Merretts Herbert Memorial Fund. It is our hope that we can assist young people who wish to further their studies in Communications," she went on to say.

Speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Ms Vardilos said, "My father felt very strongly about supporting the growth of the territory's young people and even more so in an area he was passionate about. In addition to the other efforts he supported, this is something he always wanted to do. We felt it was a great way to carry on his legacy."

The fund is opened to graduating students preparing to start their college careers in Communications and can apply for assistance towards their tuition.

The initiative will start accepting applications in March of 2020 and donations can be made to ZBVI for persons desirous of supporting the fund.

Herbert's Legacy 

At the 1 year anniversary of this death, the staff at ZBVI remarked via a facebook post, "It's been quite a journey getting things back in order without him, as he was always a doer, a take-charge and brooking no-excuses kind of man. Although we miss him, we are proudly upholding and carrying on his legacy."