Delta Petroleum staff and General Manager Bevis Sylvester along with the winning crew of the 2012 Fisherman’s Day. Champion fisherman Smith Robin (left) hands over trophy to Mr. Sylvester. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

DP’s GM Mr. Sylvester was gifted the winning trophy. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

They copped their 6th title on July 2, 2012 at Long Bay Beach, Beef Island, VI.

This year, along with previous years, the crew received sponsorship from General Manager of Delta Petroleum (DP) Bevis Sylvester and his team at DP and to show their appreciation, Smith and his crew for more than 10 years, which consists of Cletos Bannis and Hilroy Sylvester, handed over the winning trophy to Delta Petroleum.

“The support from Delta was a great help with providing the gas for our boat. Without it, we might not even have participated,” said Mr. Bannis. He added that he and his crewmates are devoted to Delta and their services offered.

The men of Dominican nationality, boast of being the best and have adopted the word ‘experts’ to describe themselves and their hobby.

Along with dominating this tournament, the crew also dominates the Carrot Bay Fishing Tournament that is held every August Thursday for the last five years. “Going for sixth this year.”

Meanwhile, Speaking to Mr. Sylvester, he affirmed that DP has been sponsoring the crew along with the event that is organised by the Conservation and Fisheries Department for quite some time, and he and his staff are devoted to helping the community, especially his customers.

“There are many gas stations around Tortola, but they chose to come here and as General Manager I feel that there is a time when you have to give your customers something, and what better time to do so than when they are involved in events like these.”

This year, DP provided the tournament prizes of a 55-gallon drum of oil and a 55-gallon drum of gas.

“This year we did it a little different where we wanted to push our product, that being MP Extreme Oil, new double filter double clean gas. So we decided to give the winners actual products. It is a coincidence that the team I sponsor won the prize, but they received tangible gifts and are now able to go out to fish for three weeks and be comfortable, not worrying about gas.”

Sylvester stated that the Virgin Islands is deprived of young fishermen on its shores, and it is important to start pushing and supporting the fishermen that exist in the Territory.

“I am happy that every year around this time the Department of Conservation and Fisheries really pause, take time out and recognise our fishermen.”

Along with this tournament at Long Bay Beach every year, DPs General Manager told this news site that he also sponsors the Carrot Bay fishing tournament.

Other than fishing tournaments, to fulfil Delta’s role of being involved with the community and the youths, Delta is also involved with the annual Virgin Gorda Basketball League and the annual August Festival.

“Delta Petroleum is very community-minded, where we have created a Philosophy stating that the youths are our customers of tomorrow and therefore we must keep ‘in-tune’ with them.”

He added that if there is not a prosperous tomorrow, it results in no Delta tomorrow. “An investment in the community is an investment in the future of Delta Petroleum.”