About 20 years ago, a German tourist to the Virgin Islands broke bones falling from a boat ladder and urgently needed to be airlifted to Puerto Rico for a connecting flight to Germany.

His countrywoman Astrid Wenzke, a longtime VI resident, helped out, explained Gabi Romberg, who represents the BVI Tourist Board in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Years later, Ms. Wenzke’s role in providing such services would become official when she was named German honorary consul for the territory.

During a Monday ceremony at her home in Sea Cows Bay, Ms. Wenzke was honoured for her seven years in that position.

“We’ve worked very closely with Astrid, especially when something happened: an accident or an incident with Germans,” Ms. Romberg said. “She was such a great help. Without her, we would have had much more serious incidents.”
Around 40 people, including several Germans, attended the event, during which Ms. Wenzke was dressed in a traditional outfit from her country.

Lut Gorgens, a German ambassador based in Trinidad and Tobago, administered the oath of officer to Phillip Neumann, who succeeds Ms. Wenzke.

SEE THE JUNE 29, 2017 EDITION FOR FULL COVERAGE.

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