The new vessel is a rescue rib called Gorda Peak which is now stationed at the VISAR base at Yacht Harbour in Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO Team of Reporters

Leader of the Opposition and Ninth District Representative Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, seen here speaking at the launch ceremony of a new rescue boat, said Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is owed a debt of gratitude for its voluntary work, which fills a vital gap where Government is failing. Photo: VINO Team of Reporters

Speaking at a launch ceremony of a new rescue boat by VISAR in Valley, Virgin Gorda on Thursday, May 16, 2013 Hon. O’Neal also said Government has not been able to produce the kind of water protection that it should have, with so many yachts and boats around, "and this is undertaken by VISAR."

The new vessel is a rescue rib called Gorda Peak which is now stationed at the VISAR base at Yacht Harbour in Virgin Gorda.

Hon O'Neal in his brief remarks at the dedication ceremony noted that while VISAR is not being paid for the services it provides it has been weathering diverse conditions to ensure the safety of seamen and others in the time of need. "I think we owe them a debt of gratitude for that which they do voluntarily and I would like to see more of our local people involved with VISAR."

Hon O'Neal's call for locals to get on board with VISAR was supported by Virgin Gorda resident, Allington O. Creque aka DJ Gumption, who had indicated that he recently teamed up with the organisation with his popular glass-bottom boat.

"More people should continue to join especially those people who have interest in boats because you don't know when VISAR will be out when something happens to your boat. So it’s necessary that you take part in what they are doing," Hon. O’Neal stated.

Even though VISAR is not paid for its services and interventions, Hon O'Neal said it is eligible or can accept grants. He received loud rounds of applause when he announced his intentions to secure a grant for VISAR under the community grant, which he as an elected member of council is entitled to. "So I will try to get a grant for VISAR at the end of this month. So I promise to do that," stated Hon O'Neal.

The funds from the grant, Hon. O'Neal said, will go towards the 'labour of love' as the organisation can well do with assistance for the financing of equipment and other necessities needed for the execution of its work. He underscored the importance of the organisation's work towards the life blood of the Virgin Islands (tourism) and hoped that it would be encouraged to continue in the same vein.

VISAR is dedicated to saving life at sea and is the officially recognised search and rescue service in the Virgin Islands, providing a 24-hour service every day of the year in close co-operation with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force as well as the fire and ambulance services.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, and undergo rigorous training in seamanship and small boat-handling skills, search and rescue techniques and first aid. They give of their own time to train, answer and respond to distress calls with nothing in return except the satisfaction of knowing that they are doing a vital job.