MV Logos Hope Draws Over 15,000 Visitors
The MV Logos Hope visited the Virgin Islands from October 24–29, 2025, welcoming more than 15,000 residents who toured the world’s largest floating bookfair and took part in school programmes and community projects. New reporting also notes the Premier has made re-establishing a public library in Road Town a government priority following the ship’s visit.
The MV Logos Hope made a highly successful inaugural visit to the Virgin Islands from October 24–29, 2025, drawing more than 15,000 residents to tour the ship during its stay, the Premier’s Office said in a statement reported on October 31, 2025. Described by the Government of the Virgin Islands as the world’s largest floating bookfair and a voyage-based library, Logos Hope carried over 5,000 titles spanning Christian literature, health and fitness, general knowledge and children’s books.
Operated by an international crew and a staff of volunteers from around 60 countries, the Government said the vessel’s teams promote literacy, cross-cultural cooperation and social awareness while reflecting "God’s compassion for the world" at the ports they visit. Officials said the visitors included authors, seniors and other book enthusiasts who seized the territory’s first opportunity to welcome the Logos Hope.
Education officials reported strong participation by local schools: Deputy Chief Education Officer Heida Selwood confirmed about 1,300 elementary and secondary students toured the ship, including school music groups such as a steel pan band and other concert performers, and another 200 preschoolers took part in specially arranged visits.
The visit was organised as a partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Rotary Club and the BVI Tourist Board, with logistical support from the Deputy Governor’s Office, BVI Ports Authority, Customs and Immigration, and the Department of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley chaired the planning committee and praised the turnout and community engagement, saying the ship’s message of "knowledge, help and hope" was visible through school programmes, church visits, the selling of books and community service projects carried out while in port.
During the stopover the Logos Hope crew worked alongside the Rotary Club of Road Town on practical community projects across Tortola. Activities included assisting with electrical work at Enis Adams Primary School, maintaining water coolers at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, participating in a health fair at Leonora Delville Primary School, and helping to repair benches at the Crafts Alive Market. "The Rotary Club of Road Town was honoured to be part of the Logos Hope’s inaugural visit to the Virgin Islands," said Anthony Clarke, Past President of the Rotary Club of Road Town, noting the partnership aligned with Rotary’s mission to inspire youth, promote literacy and strengthen cultural exchange.
Photos from the visit were provided by Franklyn Skerritt of the Department of Information and Public Relations. Government officials said the visit underscored ongoing efforts to promote a well-informed and cohesive society through partnerships that support education, literacy and community development in the Virgin Islands.
Newly reported following the visit, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley said re-establishing a public library in Road Town is a priority for his government, a development reported by Virgin Islands News Online. That announcement links directly to the public interest generated by Logos Hope’s bookfair and the territory’s renewed focus on literacy infrastructure.
Primary source: BVI Government