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UPDATE: Hon. Fraser concerned about parents’ input in games

Legislator and Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser, RA has questioned the motivation needed for parents to participate in some events involving their children. Photo: VINO
“The Bishop and I are Virgin Islanders, first and foremost, and anything that’s in the best interest of the Virgin Islands, I’m sure I speak for him when I say, we support, we will fight to the death to make sure that it comes to fruition, and this is one of them” said Third District Representative, Julian Fraser, RA in response to a question about what brought him together with Bishop John I. Cline for the initiative. Photo: VINO
“The Bishop and I are Virgin Islanders, first and foremost, and anything that’s in the best interest of the Virgin Islands, I’m sure I speak for him when I say, we support, we will fight to the death to make sure that it comes to fruition, and this is one of them” said Third District Representative, Julian Fraser, RA in response to a question about what brought him together with Bishop John I. Cline for the initiative. Photo: VINO
Some of the members of the Committee involved with the league. Photo:VINO
Some of the members of the Committee involved with the league. Photo:VINO
A section of the audience at the press conference (Patrick O. Harrigan is at right). Photo: VINO
A section of the audience at the press conference (Patrick O. Harrigan is at right). Photo: VINO
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Legislator and Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser RA has questioned the motivation needed for parents to participate in some events involving their children.

"What does it take for parents to be there for their children?” Hon. Fraser asked during a press conference held yesterday, July 29, 2013 to launch the Intermediate Basketball League at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duffs Bottom.

Hon. Fraser spoke about the open air conditions at the Sea Cows Bay basketball court and incidences of rain and the absence of parents whenever those situations occurred.

“There isn’t a single excuse in the world for parents not to be here [Save the Seed Energy Centre]; this place is air conditioned; it has all the parking you need in the world and if you wish you can sneak the Bishop out to have a prayer downstairs,” Hon. Fraser said.

Making a special appeal to parents, Hon. Fraser said children were an investment in their parents’ future and said he was always concerned about the issue of parents attending games. “Start putting that investment to work from now, at least you can take your children home,” he said.

He expressed that the facility has a number of activities for parents to be kept occupied, such as bowling, a gym and cafeteria, while basketball games are being played by their children.

Acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr Patrick O. Harrigan, while commending the committee and expressing support for the league, raised concerns about the start times for games and the consideration for children who may sometimes be left stranded in situations where there is a lack of transportation.

Meanwhile, the Third District Representative, Hon. Fraser, said he would be calling on both the government and private sector to seek funding for the league that was launched yesterday and expected to run from August 16 to sometime in October.

According to Hon. Fraser, “This is not a league for Julian Fraser and Bishop Cline, no, this is the Territory, that’s why we expanded to include the entire Territory and whosoever will, as long as they meet the requirements as specified by the league, they are welcomed to be here.”

He said the committee in charge of the league has much work to do after launching the league.

See previous story posted July 29, 2013:

Bishop & 3rd Dist. Rep cut differences for b/ball league

- Bishop Cline says love of country & youth brings duo together

DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Two of the Territory’s strongest leaders in the political and religious arenas have put their differences aside to collaborate on a major initiative for the youth of the Virgin Islands.

“The Bishop and I are Virgin Islanders, first and foremost, and anything that’s in the best interest of the Virgin Islands, I’m sure I speak for him when I say, we support, we will fight to the death to make sure that it comes to fruition, and this is one of them” said Third District Representative, Julian Fraser, RA in response to a question about what brought him together with Bishop John I. Cline for the initiative.

The occasion was a press conference to launch the first annual Save the Seed Energy Centre’s Intermediate National Basketball League at Duffs Bottom earlier today, July 29, 2013.

When it comes to youth and youth affairs, Hon Fraser said, both men were of the belief that squabbling and fighting were not the best way to resolve issues. Earlier, he spoke of love, commitment and vision as being key areas in the formation of the league.

According to Hon. Fraser, the league is an amateur one which means that there would be no form of monetary compensation involved and hence, no promises were being made.

Meanwhile, Bishop Cline concurred with Hon. Fraser in stating that the love of country and love of its young people brought the two together along with a desire to see to the development of the country and its youth.

Bishop Cline further stated that he believed that government and elected officials should partner with the private sector, including the religious sector, to help build and strengthen the moral fibre of the VI community and to contribute to the development of the youth.

He further felt that it was important in establishing the value of teamwork, personal discipline, building and developing character and also offering youth a way of expanding and channelling their energies.

Bishop Cline also expressed that he was truly joyful that the Save the Seed Centre was beginning to live up to the purpose for which it was created.

At least ten teams are set to participate in the league with games expected to start on August 16, 2013 and run until October. The league will be for persons under the age of 21 and will also have a separate age group of 9-12 year olds. Games will be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday once the league starts.

Regarding funding for the initiative, Hon. Fraser said it was unforgivable and unacceptable for the Territory to be worrying about financing an event as crucial as this. “I know the Bishop and I, we are going to fight hard to make sure that it’s well financed, and I think that we have the wherewithal to get that done.”

“As a country,” Bishop Cline noted, “we must learn how to invest in significant ways in the development of our young people, thereby investing in the development of our nation.”

Hon. Fraser proposed to present a motion in the House of Assembly requesting support for a fund to be established for youth affairs within the Territory and said he has already identified areas where the funding can be derived.

“When we get to things like this, sending kids off to participate in regional events should never, ever be an issue for us,” Hon. Fraser said.

The initiative, which is expected to be a Territory-wide one, also received support from President of the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF), Mr Byron Hodge as well as Acting Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr Patrick O. Harrigan and Brian 'Bash' Brewley of the BD Basketball Association.

24 Responses to “UPDATE: Hon. Fraser concerned about parents’ input in games”

  • Just saying (29/07/2013, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    you cannot stop them love them or hate them..very good efforts my son has already singed up
  • bob marley (29/07/2013, 16:01) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    "puss and dog will get together"
  • the rock (29/07/2013, 16:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    funny how things works out!
  • ooooo (29/07/2013, 16:06) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    where is the minister for sports and youth affairs?
    • xxxxxxxx (29/07/2013, 18:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      the solution for the BVI is paying real attention to the youths Like fraser and cline are doing
      • Come on (31/07/2013, 07:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Do you think that Cline allowing Fraser tovusechis place free. I am sure he have to pay something. Most big churches do stuff like what cline is doing. The church is a private organization.
        • -_- (04/08/2013, 21:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          oh shut the hell up! you think that building was built for free? you think they don't have bills to be paid? you don't think if the bills aren't paid the lights n so on won't get cut off just like if u don't pay your bills? hm!
  • chad (29/07/2013, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the same time virgin Gorda summer jam will be in full swing and most of the kids playing here I am sure will be playing in vg so what's up with that good gesture but bad timing we suppose to be looking out for one another but this don't seems to be what's happening here what about looking out for all communities wow
  • Man of God (29/07/2013, 16:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is a good thing hope to see more like this.
  • west end (29/07/2013, 16:50) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    this blog aint gah nuttin to do with this article but ndp are a set of damn children in tuxedos. archie deh man ayo mus stop being small minded wen it come around petty contract time boss. meen like andrew much but these young men in that district highly disappointed in you mannn. this political game you guys are playin will force the hungry to BITE one of you guys.
  • for real (29/07/2013, 17:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    While ayo out here trying to kill each other ova crap bout NDP and VIP, Fraser and Cline skinning and grinning with each other.
  • Well (29/07/2013, 17:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How come they have poor Patrick acting for so long???Myron got a Jamaican lady confirmed in 3 weeks but the local Mr. Harrigan acting for 3 years…see who looking out for whom!
  • AC 360 (29/07/2013, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    So good to see this level of unity in the interest of the youths…Hope Myron takes a page out of Cline and Fraser’s books!
  • steel man (29/07/2013, 18:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The NDP supporters and Fraser haters are caught between a rock and 2 hard places!
  • well done (29/07/2013, 18:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    BEHOLD. I feel great for the further of our nation with things like this as both Bishop and the Senator have a lot to teach THE CHILDREN of OUR NATION!!!
  • weed (30/07/2013, 08:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We will support this Fraser once its NDP we not coming out!!! bam
    • the rock (30/07/2013, 09:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      what a stupid statement!
      • @ the rock (30/07/2013, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        ha ha it reminds me of your blogs....I see no reasons to change my mind that Fraser is the best hope for the BVI.
      • ann (30/07/2013, 12:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Truth be told, no one expected 'the rock' to say anything else
  • hard truth (30/07/2013, 09:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone seen Myron Walwyn?
    • Yes (30/07/2013, 14:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      no!
    • @ hard truth (30/07/2013, 23:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      trust me you would not find him as it was not something he would have gotten a photo from or political propaganda so he was in hiding. Seems like even Fraser doing more than he for youths


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