ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, January 17th, 2012 -- On Saturday, January 14, 2012, the proud winners of the East Beautification Committee’s first annual Deck Your Yard Contest received their cash prizes and other gifts at their homes. In the contest that ran from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day 2011, home owners of the Seventh and Eighth Districts competed to makeover their yards for the holiday season.
The goal of the competition was to encourage homeowners to take more pride in their yards in order to collectively create a more attractive community and a healthier environment for residents, businesses and tourism activity. Competitors were judged twice by five independent judges from the community on four main criteria including, yard cleanliness, maintenance, plant selection and overall design. The competitors with the most improvement in these categories between the contest launch and close were the winners.
The grand prize winner, Ms. Nidia Turnbull of Greenland, received a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by the BVI Tourist Board and a day sail contributed by the Moorings. Expressing her excitement on her victory Ms. Turnbull commented “to God be the Glory; hard work always pays off!”
Ms. Turnbull who was under the impression that she was one of only a few competitors was even more excited to learn that she placed top amongst over 20 entrants. Ms. Turnbull continued that she has always taken pride in her garden and thanked the judges for recognizing her hard work in getting her garden up to its best form.
An enthusiastic Mr. Reginald Turnbull, also a Greenland resident, placed second and received a $500 cash prize sponsored by the BVI Tourist Board, a vacation getaway contributed by Surfsong Villa Resort, Beef Island, and a dinner for two sponsored by the Tamarind Club, Josiah’s Bay. Mr. Turnbull expressed that the competition was a “great experience” and is looking forward to this year’s contest. He confessed that he did not think he would place, but went on to comment that “with God’s help all things are possible.” He shared the credit with his wife who he says is the inspiration behind much of the gardening.
Mrs. Oprah Chambers of Old Plantation grabbed third place with a $250 cash prize also sponsored by the BVI Tourist Board, a snorkeling excursion donated by Sail Caribbean Divers, lunch at Trellis Kitchen, and a Caribbean print from Aragon’s Studio. Mrs. Chambers was speechless, but very excited.
The Committee would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Mrs. Dinis Chalwell. While not meeting the winning criteria of most improved, her yard did receive the overall highest score and will be awarded with the Committee’s “Best Kept Yard” banner shortly.
Commenting on the success of the first time contest, East Beautification Committee president, Angela Burnett Penn, stated “We are very pleased with the level of support the contest received and look forward to making improvements this year. It is very encouraging to see how proud and excited the winners are. We only hope that the contest grows and encourages more first time gardeners as it is really intended to do.”
The East Beautification Committee would like to thank the other important contest partners, including Minine’s Plants and Landscaping, Plants and Things (Arona George-DeWindt), The Paint Factory, JTV, Caribbean Printing, Autland Heavy Equipment, Island Concrete and the Hon. Marlon Penn.
About EBC
The East Beautification Committee (EBC) is a group of concerned citizens from the East End, Long Look, Hope Estate and Greenland communities formed January 2011 that is dedicated to enhancing the physical appearance and health of our communities in order to improve the quality of life. The EBC will focus on improving the waste disposal system; creating green recreational spaces; organizing a series of cleanups and tree plantings; improving community stewardship through education, building community pride and incentives; and advocating for changes such as improved road safety and maintenance of road sides. Interested persons can call 496-8728 or email ebcommittee@gmail.com.
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