In a demonstration of its commitment to athletics in the territory, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced a substantial increase in funding for the BVI Athletics Association.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Sports, Honourable Sharie De Castro during a recent press conference.
De Castro, presented a cheque valued at $100,000 to the President of the BVI Athletics Association, Steve Augustine, twice the amount provided in 2023, which she said underscores her government’s dedication to supporting athletics throughout the 2024 calendar year.
Addressing members of the press, Minister De Castro emphasized the importance of investing in the development of local talent and nurturing a thriving sports culture within the BVI community.
In addition to the increased financial assistance to the association, Minister De Castro unveiled a groundbreaking measure passed by the Cabinet to fund selected elite athletes on an annual basis.
While specific details regarding eligibility criteria are forthcoming, the minister assured the public that a transparent selection process had been approved to identify beneficiaries of this initiative.
President Augustine, expressing gratitude for the government’s investment in the future of athletics, pledged to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency in managing the allocated funds.