Strong support for public officer after paralysing accident

In celebration of Public Service Week this year, the Public Service of the Virgin Islands partnered with non-profit and private sector organisations to offer financial support to public officer, Colin Stevens who was paralysed in a vehicular accident back in 2019.

Local law firm, Walkers Corporate (BVI) Ltd as well as the BVI Red Cross and local Rotary clubs made monetary contributions that will go towards rehabilitative therapy sessions and the purchasing of a hoist (a device used to lift physically-disabled persons), as well as food vouchers that will assist Stevens on his road to recovery.

During a Christmas Jamboree celebration held on December 10, Governor John Rankin said he had a conversation with Stevens and although his situation is unfortunate; he is a resilient man.

“What has happened to him is a terrible injury, but from what I can tell, he is a man of great spirit and we will continue to give our best to him during his time of need. I know people have been generous and I hope their generosity can make a difference for Colin, a fellow public servant,” Governor Rankin said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr said he was pleased to be in attendance to celebrate Stevens, a fellow public official who has dedicated most of his life to the development of the territory.

“It is good to be here to support our fellow public officer, Colin, during this time and I must commend you all for the efforts to assist him in his recovery. It is in moments like these that officers come together as a family to support each other and I find the generosity amazing,” Archer Jr said.

Over two dozen sessions remaining

Stevens currently has 30 physical therapy sessions remaining during his recovery process and Walkers has made an $800 contribution to the completion of those sessions.

The Rotary Clubs of Tortola and Road Town made $1,500 and $500 contributions, respectively. Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town and Central Tortola contributed $1,500 and $500, respectively, while the Public Service gave $2,200 towards the purchasing of the hoist.

The BVI Red Cross donated food vouchers for six months.

A representative of Walkers said making the donation to the family was an easy decision.

“It was important to the Walkers family to make a contribution to Colin’s care in the knowledge that every little count. We look forward to seeing Colin walk again and will continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers,” the representative said.

Representatives from the BVI Red Cross and the local Rotary Clubs said they were pleased to be a part of this initiative to assist Stevens to be able to walk again and wished him the best on his journey towards recovery.

Stevens was involved in a lone vehicular accident on December 5, 2019, which saw his vehicle flipped over an embankment and tumbled down a hill.

He received life-threatening injuries, which resulted in him becoming paralysed. He worked as a member of Her Majesty’s Customs as a Customs Officer.

The initiative started with the planning committee deciding to raise funds as a means to cover the expenses of Collin’s therapy sessions.