Darel Christopher Jr a Virgin Islander cyclist that has been shining recently on the international stage. Photo: Internet Source

Sports action in the VI recently, albeit organised by a private party. Photo: VINO/File

Chantel E. Malone and Kyron A. McMaster displaying his ‘gold,’ on June 15, 2018. Photo: Cleave M. Farrington

At least this is according to Dr Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture. She made the disclosure in April last, when members of the House of Assembly’s Standing Finance Committee, examined the 2018 estimates for that government agency.

Dr Potter at the time raised the issue with regards to Youth Development and informed the Committee “that there are no funds for Sports.”

 She said “it is going to be a critical outlet for young persons, especially during this difficult time.”

There was no response or queries made of the Permanent Secretary at the time by Committee members.

Utility Bills

According to the 2018 Estimate—posted as approved, on the Virgin Islands (VI)government website—‘Sports Services’ under line item # 25444044, receives $1,800 for the payment of rent, $800 for utilities, $14,000 for supplies $92,000 for Services—all recurring expenditure such as paying the electricity bills and ensuring cleaning supplies are in stock.

The Ministry did approve $119,000 for assistance grants. There is no money set aside in the 2018 allocations for personal emoluments or social contributions, training, contributions to professional bodies, subsidies, grants and other important responsibilities coming under the ‘Sports Services’ subhead in the budget.

Champion Athletes

The Territory’s champion athletes recently celebrated by the VI Government are Commonwealth gold medal winner, Kyron A. McMaster, Chantel E. Malone and veteran track star Tahesia G. Harrigan-Scott.

A motorcade procession had been held from the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport to Road Town which climaxed at the Government’s Central Administration Complex with a photo shoot. 

The following day, Friday, June 15, 2018, there was another event for the 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes, this time starting after 2:00 PM at the A. O Shirley Reaction Grounds in the Capital City, with a procession ending at the Tortola Pier Park (TPP).  

At TPP, there were speeches by politicians and heads of sporting associations, while those in attendance included Governor, Augustus J. U Jaspert, parents, students, the media and other athletes.

McMaster was gifted $30,000 by Government while Ms Malone was presented with a cheque for $15,000 and Ms. Harrigan-Scott was awarded a plaque for her long service in the track and field area of sports.

Discretionary

It is unclear under which budgetary sub-head the National Democratic Party (NDP) government made available the monies to the athletes, though administrations across the world are allocated ‘discretionary’ funds in their annual allocations, to be used for purposes such as gifts.

 The Ministry of Education and Culture comes under the Ministerial portfolio of Honourable Myron V. Walywn (AL).  

The VI’s ‘Golden Boy’ McMaster’s, has since left the Territory and is back in South Carolina, USA, where he continues to train.