Rotary Club of Road Town Partners with FTM and Hope Foundation on Youth Issues

The signing took place at Maria's By The Sea Conference Room with over two dozens witnesses, including Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture. Signing the MoU were Mr. Mohamed; Mr. Ryan Geluk, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Road Town; Mr. Craig Lake, President of Follow The Movement and Minister Melvin M. Turnbull, President of Hope Foundation.

"I am pleased to be here to announce this exciting new partnership between the Rotary Club of Road Town, Follow The Movement and The Hope Foundation to help youth across the Virgin Islands realize their full potential," said Mr. Mohamed.

He applauded the work that the two groups are already doing in the community and thanked your for agreeing to partner with the Rotary Club of Road Town.

He stated that over the years, the Rotary Club of Road Town has helped to streamline a number of programs that have benefited young people through EarlyAct, Interact and Rotaract, which are youth arms of Rotary established in the Virgin Islands that teaches leadership skills, respect and the importance of working together.

However, Mr. Mohamed stated that the club felt that there is need to reach more young people in the community and instead of re-inventing the wheel, decided to join forces with FTM and The Hope Foundation to change lives.

"We stand together today because we recognize that there is a problem facing our youth. We recognize that our youth need our help and we here to say to them a change is coming," Mr. Mohamed stated.

"There will be some challenges ahead, but we are on the right path. Our children are our future and we are committed to them. With creativity, hard work, and a determination to put youth first, I believe that the Virgin Islands will succeed," Mr. Mohamed said.

Mr. Lake stated that the problem cannot be dressed up anymore, noting that young persons are no longer fearful to conduct illegal activities such as gambling, in public.

"Basically what they are saying is that you have your lifestyle; you don't check for my lifestyle why do I have to listen to you?," Mr. Lake stated.

He also stated that he is pleased to be working with the Rotary Club of Road Town.

"We are willing to help," Mr. Lake stated.

This partnership will change the way issues affecting youth is addressed.

Mr. Turnbull told the gathering that youth are not looking to be scolded, but for someone to walk with them.

"We all have the same mindset; To make the lives of our young people better so they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With this partnership we will not only change youth, but help to drive that we are here as a group to help them be better in society; help them believe that they are the best," Mr. Turnbull stated.

Gov't Appreciates Alliance

Hon. Walwyn said that he is pleased that there is an alliance forged to help young people.
The signing took place at Maria's By The Sea Conference Room with over two dozens witnesses, including Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture. Signing the MoU were Mr. Mohamed; Mr. Ryan Geluk, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Road Town; Mr. Craig Lake, President of Follow The Movement and Minister Melvin M. Turnbull, President of Hope Foundation.

"I am pleased to be here to announce this exciting new partnership between the Rotary Club of Road Town, Follow The Movement and The Hope Foundation to help youth across the Virgin Islands realize their full potential," said Mr. Mohamed.

He applauded the work that the two groups are already doing in the community and thanked your for agreeing to partner with the Rotary Club of Road Town.

He stated that over the years, the Rotary Club of Road Town has helped to streamline a number of programs that have benefited young people through EarlyAct, Interact and Rotaract, which are youth arms of Rotary established in the Virgin Islands that teaches leadership skills, respect and the importance of working together.

However, Mr. Mohamed stated that the club felt that there is need to reach more young people in the community and instead of re-inventing the wheel, decided to join forces with FTM and The Hope Foundation to change lives.

"We stand together today because we recognize that there is a problem facing our youth. We recognize that our youth need our help and we here to say to them a change is coming," Mr. Mohamed stated.

"There will be some challenges ahead, but we are on the right path. Our children are our future and we are committed to them. With creativity, hard work, and a determination to put youth first, I believe that the Virgin Islands will succeed," Mr. Mohamed said.

Mr. Lake stated that the problem cannot be dressed up anymore, noting that young persons are no longer fearful to conduct illegal activities such as gambling, in public.

"Basically what they are saying is that you have your lifestyle; you don't check for my lifestyle why do I have to listen to you?," Mr. Lake stated.

He also stated that he is pleased to be working with the Rotary Club of Road Town.

"We are willing to help," Mr. Lake stated.

This partnership will change the way issues affecting youth is addressed.

Mr. Turnbull told the gathering that youth are not looking to be scolded, but for someone to walk with them.

"We all have the same mindset; To make the lives of our young people better so they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With this partnership we will not only change youth, but help to drive that we are here as a group to help them be better in society; help them believe that they are the best," Mr. Turnbull stated.

"I am pleased that this alliance has taken place because the issue of youth development. The issue of addressing the problems with young people in this country is enormous and the Government cannot do it alone no matter how passionate the Minister might be or whoever Minister will come after. We need to form alliances with other organizations because it is bigger than we think it is," Hon. Walwyn stated.

The Rotary Club of Road Town also thanked the many Corporate Partners, including Mr. Mike Williams, Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes; Mr. Sean Auguste, Managing Director of LIME BVI and Mrs. Sarah Hatcher, Director of Nagico NV.

Mr. Auguste and Mrs. Hatcher spoke about their respective companies appreciation for seeing the partnership and pledged their support for youth development and the work being done by the Rotary Club of Road Town.