The Public Service of the Virgin Islands partnered with non-profit organistations during this year’s Public Service Week to assist Public Officer, Colin Stevens with his rehabilitative efforts.

Local company,Walkers and non-profit organisations, BVI Red Cross and Rotary Clubs of the Virgin Islands made financial contributions that would go towards therapy sessions and the purchasing of a hoist, as well as food vouchers that would assist in Stevens’ recovery.

His Excellency, Governor John Rankin, CMG, during the Christmas Jamboree held on December 10, said, “I have been able to speak to Colin and 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.”

Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. said. “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.”

With 30 physical therapy sessions remaining, law firm, Walkers made an $800 contribution to the completion of sessions, while Rotary Clubs of Tortola and Road Town made $1500 and $500 dollar contributions, respectively. The BVI Red Cross donated food vouchers for six months, while Rotary Clubs Sunrise of Road Town and Central Tortola and the Public Service of the Virgin Islands contributed $1,500, $500 and $2,200 respectively towards the purchasing of a hoist.

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

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

Colin Stevens was involved in a lone vehicular accident on 5^th December, 2019 which saw his vehicle flipping over an embankment and tumbling down a hill. He received life threatening injuries, which resulted in him becoming paralysed.  He was a diligent Public Officer who 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. He has 30 sessions left at $100 per session. 

Note:
L-R Assitant Governor for Rotary, Ryan Geluk; Governor's House Manager, Cherryl Fahie; Mother of Colin Stevens, Miriam Stevens; BVI Red Cross Chairman, Troy Christopher; His Excellency, Governor John Rankin, CMG; Deputy Governor, David D. Archer, Jr.; Executive Private Secretary, Governor's Office, Geraldine Ritter-Freeman. (Photo Credit: Franklin Skerritt/GIS)