Nurse Elaine Singh was brought to tears by the surprise gesture of the Adventist Youth Society on Virgin Gorda. Photo: Facebook

Both Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, and Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) commended the Adventist Youth Society of Virgin Gorda for their humanitarian initiatives for Global Youth Day on March 15, 2025. Photo: Team of Reporters

Rosie Bowen, left, was honoured for her over 25 years of elderly care service on the sister island. Photo: Facebook

The Adventist Youth Society also donated some plants to the elderly home on Virgin Gorda. Some of the plants are for beautification purposes while others are for fruit bearing. Photo: Facebook

After 38 years in health, Nurse Elaine Singh admitted she is nearing her time to retire but vowed to continue doing her best. Photo: Facebook

Rosie Bowen, Elaine Singh, and Colin Morgan were the surprised honourees for the day.

Bowen was honoured for her over 25 years of elderly care service on the sister island. She is an employee of the Virgin Gorda Home for the Elderly.

Premier's praise!

Premier and Minister of Finance also congratulated Bowen for her 25 years of service to the elderly in Virgin Gorda.

“I have a father who is 80 years old and, of course, he has challenges with dementia and what not, and I am so grateful for the people who provide service to him. So, I know how important people like Ms Rosie are to our elderly.

“I am so pleased that the Seventh-day Adventist youths chose to honour her in this way,” Premier Wheatley stated.

9th District Rep expresses gratitude

Ninth District Representative Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) also congratulated the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its Global Youth Day initiative.

He also expressed appreciation to the church for the work it has been doing in assisting with health.

“Last year you would recall we had a major health fair. It was so amazing, and I just want to thank you again for all that you do for mental health, for health in general and for the work you have been doing with the youth. Thank you ever so much.

“What a wonderful way for the young people to recognise Global Youth Day by coming out here and giving service to the community, educating the community about health,” Hon Wheatley stated.

Brought to tears

It was an emotional experience for nurse Elaine Singh, who was caught by surprise by the gesture.

Singh has been working on Virgin Gorda for a number of years and is regarded as a pillar in the health community.
Wiping away tears, Singh said she appreciated the recognition and vowed to continue to do her best. “I do promise and I do enjoy my time working here. It has been 38 years,” Singh said to applause for the Adventist youths.

Singh admitted she was nearing her time to retire but she would continue to try to make a difference in her line of work.

Meanwhile, Mr Morgan was recognised for his enduring service to the Department of Waste Management on Virgin Gorda.

Donations of plants

The Adventist Youth Society also donated some plants to the elderly home on Virgin Gorda. Some of the plants are for beautification purposes while others are for fruit bearing.

As part of Global Youth Day on Saturday, the Adventist youths also served free breakfast to members of the Virgin Gorda community, conducted a health fair, did a clothing drive and presented a mini concert on the sister island.

“I want to thank you for choosing Virgin Gorda, the Ninth District, for this wonderful celebration here today,” Hon Wheatley commented.