Mr. Keith Joseph, Consultant in Sports Administration and Vice President of the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO), which is the continental arm of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Americas region, will facilitate the workshop. Photo: Provided

Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Mr. Patrick Harrigan said that is important and beneficial that all stakeholders attend and be a part of the decision making process. Photo: Provided

The stakeholders are expected to debate and undertake a comprehensive review of the draft sports policy to project the way forward for sports in the Territory.  Once created, the Virgin Islands Sports Policy will be the binding strategic agreement between Government and the sporting community to link the vision for sports with the roles and responsibilities of all parties.

The workshop will be held at the University of the West Indies Open Campus BVI Centre, Room 1, next to the cafeteria on the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay Campus.

Mr. Keith Joseph, Consultant in Sports Administration and Vice President of the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO), which is the continental arm of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Americas region, will facilitate the workshop.

Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations, he said that workshop attendees can expect a segment by segment review of the draft policy to “teeth out contentious issues. Because of the approach that we are taking persons are free to bring up any issue that is of concern to them during the session. They can make additions, make deletions, and express their views as strongly as they wish on any of the existing aspects of the policy.”

The workshop will be conducted in break out and group sessions to be followed by a plenary session where the consensus of the group will carry the final decision.

Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Mr. Patrick Harrigan said it is important and beneficial that all stakeholders attend and be a part of the decision making process. He said the Virgin Islands Sports Policy will ensure that expectations from all parties for the growth and development of sports in the Territory are achieved so that the best possible athletic future for citizens can be met.

He added that all stakeholders must come with an open mind, willing to participate, debate respectfully and give opinions and ideas. “At the end of the day the contributions you have made will formulate this policy,” the Acting Director said.

The Ministry of Education and Culture supports the creation of the Virgin Islands Sports Policy, which will provide government and stakeholders with the framework and guidelines for the future of sports in the Territory.