The staff and students of the Primary Division of the Bregado Flax Education Centre in Virgin Gorda had a special start of their academic year on November 6 with the donation of a 4000 square feet semi-permanent structure that will be used as their temporary school.
The structure was purchased by MSC Cruises (USA) Inc, a cruise line which brings more than 40,000 visitors to the Territory annually. MSC’s Chief Executive Officer and President Mr. Richard E. Sasso handed over the newly installed structure in an official ceremony on Monday, exactly two months after Hurricane Irma caused extensive damage across the Territory.
Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE expressed thanks to Mr. Sasso and his company described the donation as a remarkable one that serves as a reminder that everyone must do their little part to make a big difference.
The Premier said, “Today, we thank MSC Cruise lines for helping to ensure that there is continuity in the education sector. I know that this facility will assist the Ministry of Education in achieving its objective of ensuring that our children have continued access to quality education.”
The Premier added, “The donation is also made possible with the help of the Miami-based Manufactures, EventsStar who provided the technical expertise to customize the structure and we say thanks.”
In making the donation, Chief Executive Officer and President of MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Richard Sasso said it is an emotionally satisfying gesture for the corporation.
Mr. Sasso said, “It’s not about what happened two months ago, it’s about how you’re going to move forward. We have now passed the adversity and it’s now time for us to look towards the bright future that we all have ahead of us.”
Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn has labelled the donation ‘an act of kindness that goes beyond business but rather speaks to humanity’.
Honourable Walwyn said that the donation is an important reminder of how working together is necessary to the rebuilding of this Territory.
He said, “This Territory has to work together and fix the issues as they arise. A lot is going to be required of all of us and the worst thing we can do in the midst of adversity is turn against one another.”
He added, “This Territory cannot rebuild and will not be rebuilt if we cannot work together.”
The Ministry envisions this rebuilding programme to be one of public and private partnerships as they have already received significant promises from persons in the local and international business communities to assist in this regard.
