Holiday Gift Project Brightens BVI Children with
The Ministry of Communications and Works has completed its annual Holiday Gift Project at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), distributing toys, educational materials and essential items to children across the Virgin Islands. The project this year benefited Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (M.A.L.E.) and its FEMALE arm, with gifts sponsored by Diamond International and distributed by Diamond International staff and the crew of the Norwegian Gem. The Government highlighted the FCCA partnership in a new press release and thanked community and cruise industry partners for supporting youth development and holiday cheer across the territory.
The Ministry of Communications and Works has wrapped up its annual Holiday Gift Project, held this year at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park in collaboration with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the Government of the Virgin Islands said. According to a Government press release, the yearly initiative aims to bring joy and festive cheer to children throughout the Virgin Islands.
Each year the ministry selects a children-focused non-profit to benefit from the programme; for 2025 the chosen organisations were Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (M.A.L.E.) and its FEMALE arm. M.A.L.E. was officially founded on February 15, 2014 by Henderson Tittle to provide mentoring, practical guidance and a safe space for boys as they transition to adulthood, the Government release noted.
In response to ongoing community requests for girl-focused support, M.A.L.E. launched FEMALE (Fostering, Empowering & Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere) in 2022. Both arms serve young people aged 6–18, offering mentorship, life skills and supportive community structures. Guavaberry’s coverage of the event expanded on the organisations’ work and described M.A.L.E. as an initiative that cultivates, fosters and promotes activities to enrich members’ lives and the wider community.
Guavaberry reported that the programme provides boys with a safe environment to discuss daily struggles, be recognised for their gifts, receive support when they make mistakes, and be part of a mentoring community; the same source said FEMALE was created after repeated calls from parents for greater support for girls.
Through the collaborative effort, gifts for children from toddlers to adolescents were sponsored by local retailer Diamond International. Items distributed included toys, educational materials and other essential goods selected to brighten the holidays and support learning and wellbeing.
Distribution was carried out by staff from Diamond International together with staff and crew of the cruise ship Norwegian Gem, reflecting a coordinated effort between government, business and the cruise industry. Minister for Communications and Works the Honourable Kye Rymer praised the partnership, saying the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to community service and giving back during the holiday season.
The Government and the FCCA extended public thanks to Diamond International and the Norwegian Gem crew for their contributions. Organisers said projects like this do more than provide seasonal cheer: they sustain mentoring programmes, reinforce resources for youth development across the territory and strengthen local partnerships that connect government, non-profits, businesses and visiting cruise lines to address community needs.
The Government’s recent press release emphasised the FCCA partnership as a key element of the project this year and thanked all partners for their “unwavering support and generosity,” language echoed in the release. For media or further information, contact the Department of Information and Public Relations: Paul Bridgewater, Information Officer, Telephone: 468-2747, Email: pbridgewater@gov.vg.
For international media enquiries the Government listed BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. General government services can be reached at 1 (284) 468-3701.
Primary source: BVI Government