LOCAL NEWS
H.R.H. The Duke of York with The Rt. Rev. Theodore A. Daniels, Bishop
of
the Virgin Islands [Island Sun photo]
Prince
Andrew gives brief remarks after unveiling plaque at the Royal BVI Yacht
Club.
At left is Commodore Peter Haycraft, at right Mrs. Penny Haycraft. [Island
Sun photo]
Prince Andrew attends Church,
visits with VISAR, KATS and Royal B.V.I. Yacht Club
It was standing room only in a church that comfortably seats an estimated 250 persons - the St. George's Episcopal (Anglican) Church last Sunday morning, as parishioners got a rare treat of worshiping with Royalty. His Royal Highness The Duke of York attended morning service at the Road Town Church and read a passage of scripture taken from Genesis 9: 8-17. The celebrant was The Rt. Rev. Theodore A. Daniels, Bishop of the Virgin Islands, who urged the congregation to recognize Jesus Christ as the one to whom true worship, glory and respect must be given and to let that true worship be reflected in their daily lives. Following the service, The Duke spent some time meeting with members of the congregation and enjoying the music of Mr. Leslie de Castro's Miracles Steel Orchestra before being whisked away to the Road Reef Marina. There, he was given a briefing on the rescue work of Virgin Islands Search and Rescue VISAR and watched a rescue craft launch; he heard a brief history of the establishment of the Kids And The Sea (KATS) programme and watched a knot tying demonstration by several students; met and lunched with members of the Royal BVI Yacht Club and heard a briefing on anti-drug work and drug patrols from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. At the Yacht Club, Commodore Mr. Peter Haycraft asked The Duke to convey to Her Majesty, on his return to England, their thanks for the great honour bestowed, not only on this country, but in particular, to the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club. To commemorate this occasion, HRH was invited to unveil a plaque and accept a gift of a magnificent sea chest, which was handcrafted by members of the RBVIYC. The plaque read: "On the occasion of His Royal Highness The Duke of York's visit on Sunday 12 March, 2000 to celebrate the conferment of the title "Royal" on the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club." In his response, The Duke said it was a great pleasure for him to reinforce what Her Majesty has done in the creation of the title "Royal" for the BVI Yacht Club. "It's a thoroughly deserved honour and I wish you every success in your future."