ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, March 7th, 2012 – His Royal Highness (HRH) The Duke of Gloucester expressed he had “witnessed something rather special” after inspecting a number of young BVI sailors at sea onboard a fleet of boats belonging to Sailability BVI, at Manuel Reef.
The operation at Sailability BVI, under the management of the BVI Watersports Centre, was one of the several visits planned during The Duke’s five-day stay in the Territory in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
He made two observations. “Firstly,…before all this existed there was a vision for introducing the possibility of learning to sail to all sorts of people who otherwise would not have the chance and you have shown over the years that not only does this give them a great deal of pleasure but it also gives them a great deal of confidence. Your foresight in creating this particular venture has proven successful perhaps even beyond your wildest dreams.”
Presented to His Royal Highness were the medalists for BVI Special Olympics World 2011 Sailing Team Jaye Noel, Akeem David, Glenfold Gordan, and Gold Medalists Lenford Pope and Delroy Gordan. In a short speech translated from sign language, Gordan thanked The Duke for the visit to Sailability BVI and for the continued interest showed by the Royal household in the efforts to make sailing “for fun, for life, and for all the people of the BVI.”
The Duke of Gloucester also christened five new additions to Sailability’s fleet - four Laser Bugs boats and a safety boat.
On site to greet The Duke were the Minister of Education the Honourable Myron Walwyn and his Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcia Potter and representative for the third district the Honourable Julian Fraser. Present as well were Managing Director Colin Bramble, Centre Principal Mrs. Alison Knight Bramble and Assistance Instructor Eben Myers.
The Duke also met members of staff and the children of the Eslyn Henley Ritchie Learning Centre, BVI Technical and Vocational Institute, BVI Services and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
On the occasion, he was presented with gifts of a first day cover set of 2011 Sailability BVI postage stamps. He also received a signed copy of the Special Olympics BVI The Eye of the Storm novel.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester’s presence officially marks the thirteenth Royal Visit this Territory has hosted since 1787.
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