Roger Carter hadn’t been back to the Virgin Islands in seven years, but when Hurricane Irma devastated his former home, he knew it was time to return and see the territory the best way he knew how — on foot.
Starting in Road Town and ending on Anegada, Mr. Carter, a former BVI Football Association coach, walked through Tortola and each of the sister islands, a total of 58 miles over seven days. Along with VI native Sophie Leroy, he solicited donations and heard residents’ stories.
He was joined on some legs by other individuals and groups, both expected and unexpected.
“We framed it as, ‘If you want to hop out and join us for a bit of a walk, then feel free,’” he said.
Friday, walking from West End to Road Town, he was joined by students, parents and teachers of the Pelican Gate School, and collected around $500 en route.
By Monday, walking as many as four hours a day, the group had raised over $5,000. An end-of-walk party was held at Nanny Cay yesterday.
‘Every little bit helps’
Going into it, Mr. Carter kept his expectations concerning fundraising reasonable.
“Even if it’s only a few thousand bucks, every little bit helps,” he said.
With the help of GoFundMe to solicit donations from abroad, many of the donations are going to OneLove BVI and Adopt a Roof, the organisation founded by Regis Bourdon, chef and owner of Brandywine Estate Restaurant.
“There were so many fundraisers set up after Irma,” Mr. Carter said. “People want to see that their donations are making a difference in people’s lives. Helping build roofs is a great way to do that.”
The route
On Jan. 2, the journey began at Pusser’s in Road Town and ended in Trellis Bay. On Jan. 3, he walked alone from East End to Cane Garden Bay, since Ms. Leroy fell suddenly ill. Thursday continued from CGB to West End. Friday, he did a whole lap around Jost Van Dyke. Sunday was spent on Virgin Gorda; Monday was a rest day before heading to Anegada on Tuesday.
“Coming here, I see the devastation, but also the progress,” he said.
Overall, he was glad to be back to visit his former home, even if it’s under challenging circumstances.
“It’s been a good way to see everything again,” he added.
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