The annual Third District Back-to-School Giveaways was held yesterday, Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre, in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: Team of Reporters

Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, Fifth District Representative Hon Kye M. Rymer, and Ninth District Representative Hon Vincent O. Wheatley attended the Third District Back-to-School Giveaways to show support to Mr Julian Willock and the Third District community. Photo: Team of Reporters

Two barbers on hand to provide complementary haircuts, sponsored by Quality Construction, to the children and parents. Photo: Team of Reporters

Businessman Rajah A Smith, centre, of No Limit Construction donated a laptop to a student from District Three. Photo: Team of Reporters

Ninth District Representative and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), left, with Rajah A Smith of No Limit Construction at the Annual Third District Back-to-School event in Sea Cows Bay on August 31, 2025. Photo: Team of Reporters

Both organisers and attendees praised the event that was hosted by former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock and his Third District Committee, along with Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.

Hon Fraser was in the house

The back-to-school activities got underway after 2:00 PM, with a welcome by Mr Willock and short remarks by the Deputy Premier, Hon Julian Fraser RA, the Representative for District Three. There were also trivia questions, spearheaded by Ms Forbes, to win gas vouchers from Delta Petroleum.

Hon Fraser praised the works and ideas of Mr Willock and encouraged him to continue giving back to the community. Also giving remarks and in attendance was the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), who also praised and endorsed the works of Mr Willock in the community. Also on hand was Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), who is a strong supporter of Mr Willock and his District Committee.

Businessman Rajah A Smith of No Limit Construction donated a laptop to a student from District Three. The motivational speaker was a local daughter of the soil and Attorney Sonjah S. Smith, who encouraged the students to stay in school.

A fun and family event

The event was very exciting with music by Selector Taz, food provided by De La Santa Bakery, and French Deli, along with two barbers on hand providing complementary haircuts sponsored by Quality Construction.

Over 85 backpacks were given out to students. The backpacks included books, pencils, erasers, markers, and rulers, to name a few, for students of the Third District.  

Mr Willock noted that he was very impressed with the huge turnout, and he also thanked the three Members of the House of Assembly who showed their support not only to him, but the children and parents in the Third District community.  

He said he has received calls from parents who said they are “pleased with the items for their children” and was very thankful to him and Ms Forbes for their work in the community.

Good support from corporate VI

Mr Willock also thanked all sponsors for their support over the years. This year the 2025 Third District Back-to-School sponsors were Asif Glasgow Backhoe Services, Little Dix Bay Hotel, BVI Ports Authority, Caribbean Insurance Limited, Home-Grown Studios, The French Deli, Nanny Cay Resort & Marina, No Limit Construction, Tortola Auto Group, Necker Island BVI, Blue Water Divers, Delta Petroleum, Nagico Insurance, Clarence Thomas Ltd., Long Bay Beach Resort, Skelton Group of Companies, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, CharterPort BVI, Chalwell Surveying Services Ltd., EZ Shipping Ltd, OneMart Supermarket, Quality Construction and Virgin Islands News Online.

This event is powered by Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies and Mr Julian Willock.