The Roots to Resilience: Together We Thrive Programme resumes its Paint the Town Community Beautification initiative on Anegada on June 20, 2025. Photo: Internet Source

Some 8 walls have been painted in the East End/Long Communities through the Roots to Resilience Programme organised by At Large Representative Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE. Photo: Facebook

The Roots to Resilience initiative is the brainchild of Territorial At-Large Representative Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, who is pictured here painting a fence in East End on January 25, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The Roots to Resilience programme is the brainchild of Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) and is dedicated to fostering community development and resilience.

The Anegada Edition of the programme is being funded through a donation from one individual who is “deeply committed to the development of the Anegada Community”, a press release said.

The funds are being administered through Unite BVI, which previously coordinated the successful collaboration on the Virgin Voyagers Volunteers event on March 9, 2025. 

Graveyard to be focus of beautification

The Graveyard in the Settlement has been chosen as the site of the upcoming beautification project on June 20, 2025. 

The release stated the Graveyard is “a site of profound significance to the community, its history, and its loved ones”. 

The vision, therefore, is to transform the space into a beautiful park. 

The Roots to Resilience Team is inviting members of the Anegada community to join them in this meaningful endeavour. 

Hon Smith said, "This initiative is a testament to the power of community spirit and collaboration. We are grateful for the generous donation and the support of Unite BVI in making this project a reality. Together, we can create a lasting impact on the Anegada community."

Kim Takeuchi, Executive Director of Unite BVI, stated they were proud to be involved in this initiative that "both beautifies the community and cultivates a sense of connection among us”.

Meanwhile, Brenda Lettsome-Tye, the Programme Coordinator, stated, “The transformation of the Graveyard into a park will serve as a lasting tribute to our shared history and culture.”

Success in other communities

The Paint the Town Community Beautification Project has already been successful in other communities in the Virgin Islands. 

Eight spaces were transformed into the East End/Long Look communities. 

The Cultural Dialect and Slang Project, implemented on May 14, 2025, as part of the 2025 Seniors Month celebrations, was also a success, bringing together over 100 seniors and a group of youth, dedicated to fostering community development and resilience.

The programme also received a “generous” donation of $3000.00 from Sara and David Stemler.