Director of ADRA (VI), Mr John Williamson, 3rd from right, presents the tablets to Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on August 27, 2020. Photo: Provided

32 of the tablets will be for the Ministry of Education and 24 for private schools. Photo: Provided

Hon Wheatley said: “I am so impressed with this donation by ADRA because we have an agency that recognises that the churches have a responsibility  to lend a helping hand and to ensure that beyond the church walls, they are doing God’s work and are helping the development of the society in a very positive way.”

The donation was made to facilitate virtual learning as schools will remain close for the remainder of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Profound privilege’

During a brief presentation ceremony, newly appointed Director of ADRA (VI), Mr John Williamson said that as an agency responsible for development and relief, ADRA is delighted to help the community in whatever way it can. 

“It is our profound privilege for ADRA BVI to present to the students of the Territory of the Virgin Islands, 56 electronic tablets, 32 of which will be utilised by the Government and the other 24 will be donated to private schools.”

He added, “We hope and trust that the students will find these electronic tablets available and suitable for their learning experience due to COVID-19 and the absence of actual teaching in the classroom," he told the Minister and others present, including Permanent Secretary Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt Igwe. 

Expressing similar sentiments SDA Pastor, Mr  Sylvester Williams said, “Our desire is to initiate human relief and disaster relief. When it comes to ADRA, we fulfil our duties without race, colour or language. Our desire is to be a servant of God and a friend to man. Our desire is to further ensure that we represent God here before the people.” 

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA or ADRA International) is a humanitarian agency operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the purpose of providing individual and community development and disaster relief. It was founded in 1956, and it is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America.