Smith launches ‘resilience’ clean-up campaign
Territorial At-Large Representative Lorna Smith has launched the Roots & Resilience: Together We Thrive programme, a multi-faceted initiative aimed at boosting community pride and improving the appearance of the Virgin Islands.
The first project under the programme, Paint the Town: Community Beautification Project, is already underway in East End, Long Look, and Anegada. The initiative focuses on repainting fences, gates, and walls along key roadways, with volunteers and local painters partnering with residents to revitalise the areas.
Smith highlighted the importance of these communities, particularly their role in tourism.
“The Terrance B Lettsome International Airport is a major point of entry for our visitors. It is imperative that they experience a clean, attractive environment on their journey to their place of stay,” Smith explained. She noted that the area leading to the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which connects Beef Island to Tortola, was in disarray and has been prioritised for immediate attention to enhance the arrival experience for visitors and residents.
The project collaborates with Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn and his community group. Penn expressed his support for the programme and encouraged residents to participate.
“I am very pleased to support and collaborate with Hon. Lorna Smith on the Roots to Resilience: Together We Thrive programme,” Penn said. “This programme provides impetus, resources, and community engagement for the improvement of the East End community. I encourage everyone, community members, old and young, every resident, to come out and participate in all the projects to improve not only your community but the entire Virgin Islands.”
Smith explained that preparations for painting in the Anegada and East End areas would continue as soon as the weather improves, and every effort is being taken to secure permissions from property owners. She also expressed gratitude to paint vendors who have provided sponsorship and additional support for the project.
The Paint the Town initiative is part of a more extensive programme that includes six additional projects to foster community resilience and unity. These include removing derelict vehicles, home economics training, senior-led mentorship for young adults, cultural dialect mingles, tree planting initiatives, and art competitions using recyclables.
Smith underscored the importance of the programme as she urged residents to see this as an opportunity to rebuild their communities and foster pride in their surroundings. “We need to know and understand that beauty is by nature,” Smith stated. “Clean is by choice! We have the power to make the changes needed to return our Virgin Islands to its former heights.”
Residents interested in participating or learning more about the programme can contact Brenda Lettsome-Tye at 344-4720 or email [email protected].
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Great start to something that must be done. BVI is losing in the tourism market because of the mess the place is. Lets get rid of dead cars, boats, backhoes etc. Land owners that have their properties in a mess should be named and shamed.
TRYING TO STAY RELEVENT?
i a man who dont like politricks but we as people need stop this bullshit you here doing… just be happy they fixing up the place nuh man you happy with tortola looking like lil haiti forever?
Beautiful as it should be.
Wow! More effective than sowandie who spend most of our money on party and travel and paying nefarious character like Vybz Kartel just like how Andrew Fahie had to pay some nefarious Nigerian character, justice will come to the people of the BVI because a man and a party is not entitled to power, only the people should possess that power.
Great initiative, however, there is sewerage seeping into the street just outside Road Reef Plaza and it is a potential hazard for the community. The area stinks, going into Riteway is a task. Please do something about this.
Called BVI needs to be nuked
This is a great initiative. Applaud Hon Smith for this. The country needs a comprehensive plan to transition from the current kickback based state of disarray to a forward looking blueprint to benefit EVERY BVIslander and not just political cronies. Infrastructural programmes need to be implemented for real long term growth and development and we the people need to demand better leadership and put our shoulders to the wheel to ensure things are done.
One can always disern when politicians take to the printed media praising themselves. Thay always begin with the words, “this is a great initiative.” A pathetic bunch they.
with the road in East End? This is beyond disgraceful while the premier talking Christmas shit. The highway at Festival Grounds area…wake up a White Christmas can’t happen here stop dreaming.
Tried to take the scenic route from the airport with friends to the West End. There isn’t one. We need a underground railway. $2,000,000,000 to share amongst family and friends and we still be better off on a donkey like the old days. But friends and family be rich!!