When police jeeps pulled up in front of Government House with their lights flashing on Friday night, guests left the nearby patio and crowded around the stairs to see what would happen next.
One by one, six community members climbed out of the jeeps, wearing orange “H.M.P.” T-shirts and handcuffs.
But they weren’t charged with any crimes. Quite the opposite, in fact: They were charged with good deeds.
The six were the honourees at the Rotary Club of Tortola’s first Jail and Bail Fundraiser: Adorothy Turnbull, Ann Gardner, Dr. Robin Tattersall, Merrit Herbert, Dr. Ronald McAnaney and Craig “DJ Push Pop” Lake.
They had been “arrested” in recognition of their contributions to the Virgin Islands community.
Guests were to make donations to set them free, thereby raising funds for crime prevention and youth programmes.
See the July 21, 2011 edition for full coverage.