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VI continues to ‘punch above its weight’ in sports– Hon Lorna G. Smith

- As VI team returns with Bronze from ECVA U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica
The [British] Virgin Islands finished third at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (EVCA) U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica, gaining sweet revenge for their opening game loss to hosts Dominica on September 20, 2023. Photo: GIS
Team members of the [British] Virgin Islands Volleyball team having finished third at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (EVCA) U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica, were today, September 26, 2023, celebrated for their achievements in the sports. Photo: Facebook/File
Team members of the [British] Virgin Islands Volleyball team having finished third at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (EVCA) U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica, were today, September 26, 2023, celebrated for their achievements in the sports. Photo: Facebook/File
The Virgin Islands captured a number of individual awards at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (EVCA) U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica. Photo: OrisPhotography
The Virgin Islands captured a number of individual awards at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (EVCA) U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica. Photo: OrisPhotography
From left: Best Blockers Kristin Abraham and Anna Gordon, Best Setter Kayla Jacinto and Best Digger and Best Libero, Aman Bispham. Photo: GIS
From left: Best Blockers Kristin Abraham and Anna Gordon, Best Setter Kayla Jacinto and Best Digger and Best Libero, Aman Bispham. Photo: GIS
Subject Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) also offer congratulators to the team on behlaf of the Government. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Subject Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) also offer congratulators to the team on behlaf of the Government. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Members of the [British] Virgin Islands Volleyball Team, which finished third at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (EVCA) U23 Women’s Tournament in Dominica, were on September 26, 2023, celebrated for their stellar achievements.

Speaking during an event in celebration of the team, Acting Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) offered congratulations to the team.

“I'm very pleased to welcome you here back to the BVI on behalf of the Premier who's traveling, all of the government and the people of the British Virgin Islands. The BVI continues to punch above its weight, especially in sports and I know that the Minister [of Sports] is very, very proud of our accomplishments.” 

Hon Smith said whether it’s in athletics, basketball, football, and now volleyball, VI remains outstanding in the region.

“We are so proud of you and we will do all that we can to support you. As I was told about the event yesterday, I thought of the saying snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. because I did hear that at the first go round the team did not do well against Dominica.” 

Bronze now, goal to come - Hon Smith  

Hon Smith said for the VI to return home with a Bronze medal, it only means that next time it will be gold.

The Deputy Premier also singled out the winners of individual awards. They were Best Setter Kayla Jacinto, Best Blockers Anna Gordon and Kristin Abraham and Best Digger and Libero Aman Bispham.

Hom Smith said the VI remains proud that the women have brought home the bronze medal from Dominica and again offered warmest congratulations to all involved for their hard work.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) also offered congratulations to the team on behalf of the Government.

10 Responses to “VI continues to ‘punch above its weight’ in sports– Hon Lorna G. Smith ”

  • west (28/09/2023, 08:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good stuff
  • Punching above weight (28/09/2023, 09:17) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    The BVI must be very light, unlike many of its residents.
  • history tells us (28/09/2023, 09:49) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    whenever the VIP is in office the country wins, when the NDP in, we come last in everything BAM
  • damage control (28/09/2023, 10:22) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    No one want to hear from decastro so Lorna take over. Like Lorna have to show that child the ropes.
  • herbs power (28/09/2023, 10:33) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    That 250 thousand dollars concert if had spend properly on sports facilities and on the athletes, could have brought home gold. don't even mention the 7 million invisible plane.
  • Contrarian (28/09/2023, 11:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Punching above one’s weight is the sweet science of boxing analogy, which means one is doing better than expected, etc. it is often used in dating. Undoubtedly, K. MacMaster,?A. Hodge, etc are doing well and all Virgin Islanders are proud of them for putting the VI on the map.Millions who did not know or care where the VI was now does. The Olympics is next. Who will be the first Virgin Islander to win gold in the Olympics, the big daddy, the ultimate prize in athletics attainment and success.

    Moreover, ok, the VI is punching above its weight in sports. What is the sustainable and resilient plan for the VI punching above its weight in the socioeconomic arena, ie, health, education, self-governance, self-determination, diversified economy, improved standard of living, quality of life and human development index, housing, even sports facilities, national planning, judicial administration, skyrocketing cost of living, violent and property crime, national development planning, self-empowerment, national unity, governing, even state of the art sporting events. When, when……? Which function in the BVI is functioning efficiently and effectively? Is it public works, education, water and sewage, police, courts, health, road network, and so and so on?
    • @Contrarian (28/09/2023, 17:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Contrarian, effective transfer from the success of our athletes to the still urgent and important issues that the BVI needs to be punching above its weight on also. Good job.
  • Proud of the athletes (28/09/2023, 13:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    But ministers only here to jump in the photos after a victory and claim credit. Where's the national plan for development of these talents? And no, making people "VIbassadors" or whatever mangled term they're using isn't a plan. It's another vague idea that will never result in anything tangible going forward.
  • Undercover Observer (28/09/2023, 15:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did sports from the MEC portfolio and if not my is Hon Sharie de Castro not giving this speech? Is this hogging the lime light, riding in the glow of the athletes?
    • @Undercover Observer (28/09/2023, 17:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Undercover Observer, the Hon Sharie B. de Castro is the Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports. Politicians like to ride the crest of positive events and take a vow of silence and go in hiding when things are in the trough. Would the volleyball players get the sane press if they had played hard and competitive but didn’t medal?


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