WE WANTED IT DONE, AND WE WANTED IT DONE RIGHT

Monday July 29, 2013

- 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.

A section of the audience at the press conference (Patrick O. Harrigan is at right).
Photo: VINO

Rajah Smith: League Commissioner (R); Hon. Julian Fraser RA: District Rep.; Bishop John I. Cline: Pastor New Life Baptist Church; Mr. Mc Clean; Jacjie; Mr. Potter: Facilities Manager; Julian Willock: Committee Chairman (back)

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

Tuesday July 30th 2013

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

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” aid 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