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Hon Lorna G. Smith’s territory-wide beautification project begins in East End
Spearheaded by the Territorial At-Large Representative, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, the initiative marks the beginning of a broader mission to beautify the Virgin Islands and instil a sense of community pride.
Speaking on-site on January 25, 2025, with JTVs Cathy O. Richards, Hon Smith expressed her satisfaction with the project’s progress thus far. “We started in East End because it’s the gateway to the territory and adjacent to Beef Island; It’s a natural choice. This is a project designed to inspire community involvement, and I am thrilled to see it come to life today.”
The event, which runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, has drawn significant community participation, including students from the Elmore Stoutt High School, and the Willard Wheatley Primary School, according to Hon Smith, who commended the efforts of all involved, particularly, Ms Brenda M. Lettsome-Tye, who she described as pivotal to the project’s organisation and execution of the activity.
“Brenda has done all the legwork to get us ready for today. She’s been instrumental, and I want to thank her for her dedication,”
Vision for Beautification
The project began with the priming of walls in East End and, according to Hon Smith, the vision extends far beyond just paint. “We’re starting with painting, but we plan to incorporate murals that speak to our culture and attract attention; Art has a unique way of telling a story, and I hope to see more of that as we move forward.”
Hon Smith also used the occasion to speak to the broader goal of encouraging residents across the Virgin Islands to take ownership of their surroundings saying, “This is just one of several projects we have in mind. But as we beautify East End, I want to encourage everyone to start working on their own communities. Let’s make the Virgin Islands a place we can all be proud of.”
The project is slated to continue throughout the week, with plans to move on to colouring the primed walls and introducing murals that celebrate the Virgin Islands’ vibrant culture. Residents of East End and beyond are as such, encouraged to participate and contribute to the initiative.
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12 Responses to “Hon Lorna G. Smith’s territory-wide beautification project begins in East End”
And to all who are working on this project with them. Tortola, in particular, is in great need of this effort. The existing murals on the island are such a wonderful tool for showing scenes of cultural significance, as well as a means of beautifying and celebrating the Island’s History, with art and color.
No tanku.