In 2020, the Police Week Planning Committee decided to raffle a pickup truck as a fundraising project under the leadership of then-Deputy Police Commissioner Alwin James.
An East End woman subsequently won the vehicle in a drawing on Dec. 24, 2020.
Nearly four years later, the police have donated $15,430 to each of two separate youth organisations with the funds raised from that effort.
During a Sunday ceremony, police presented one cheque to the BVI Scouts and another to Girl Guides BVI, according to the Police Information Office.
Police felt the organisations deserved support for their work “in ensuring that our young children are taught life skills, discipline and values,” the PIO stated in a Monday press release.
“It was also recognised that since the passing of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the building where they hosted activities was severely damaged and in need of repairs. Therefore, they were selected as the recipients for our donations.”
Police also noted that the groups’ work helps keep young people from a life of crime.
“We are battling the loss of our young persons to crime, drugs and peer pressure,” the release stated. “Therefore, we must commend these organisations for the work they are doing against all odds.”
In the press release, police apologised for the “lengthy wait” before distributing the funds, but they did not explain it.
