Michael Riegels is the new President of BVI Red Cross
The Red Cross operated without a President last year. The immediate past President was Mrs. Rita Walter, who emigrated to the United States. Mrs. Edris O’Neal, Director of the BVI Red Cross, said they are very excited to have Mr. Riegels as the new President. “I believe that his being here is a big boost for the Red Cross and I’m sure that it will also be a catalyst for drawing other people, especially men, into the organization and we really look forward to the contribution he would make.”
In presenting her report for the year 2000, Mrs. O’Neal said the British Virgin Islands Red Cross intends to focus on four areas of development and growth during the year 2001. She listed the areas as disaster response and disaster preparedness, health and care in the community, the promotion of fundamental principles and humanitarian values. “Under each of these four heads, there is a lot of activity and I know that members will rise to the challenge and answer the call to service,” she stated.
The BVI Red Cross, a branch of the British Red Cross, has, for the past 44 years, been operating under the British Red Cross Society Constitution. On the 17th January 2000, a new Constitution for the Overseas Branches was approved by the Society’s Board of Trustees. “Although it has yet to have final passage through the British Parliament, Branches were encouraged to follow this Constitution,” the Director pointed out. An Establishment Agreement was also signed between the British Red Cross and the BVI Branch later in the year.
The mission statement of the BVI Red Cross is “To be a major voluntary provider of emergency help to people in most need in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.” In fulfilling the mission and addressing the needs of the community, the Branch embarked on five major projects last year - health care, first aid courses, disaster preparedness and disaster response, membership drive and fundraising. The health care programme encompasses the Home Health Care Basic Programme, medical equipment rental scheme, blood typing and blood donor drive and prostate cancer screening. Mrs. O’Neal said all of these programmes had their degrees of success. “The demand for items such as wheel chairs, walkers, commodes, crutches etc. continues,” she reported. “At present, quite a bit of our equipment is on loan to persons in the community. There is need for better organization of this programme and with the procurement of staff, this problem will be tackled.”
During the year, the Red Cross worked in conjunction with the Office of Disaster Preparedness in coordinating resources to be able to deal with disasters. “Of primary importance is the reduction of risk to loss of life and injury,” the Red Cross Director pointed out. She went on to note that membership continued to grow during the year, with 552 persons registered. However, she said there is a serious need to build up the volunteer group. She said if the organization is to become and remain vibrant, this aspect of their work must be built up. Reports were also given on the Red Cross week of activities held in May, the work of the Red Cross Juniors and the Voluntary Aid Detachment group, the Virgin Gorda section and the Montserrat project.
[World News][What's New & Commentaries]
[BVI History, Attractions & Features] [Your Spot in the Sun]
[Legal][Contact Us][HOME]