TORTOLA — Father Ronald Branche of the St Georges Anglican Episcopal Church and his wife Heather have been awarded Honorary Belonger status of the British Virgin Islands.
Both persons were granted the status at a farewell banquet held in their honour over the weekend at Maria’s By the Sea in Road Town.
They are scheduled to leave the territory at the end of this month after spending 13 years.
In his speech, Acting Premier Dr Kedrick Pickering spoke of the Father Branche’s service to the community and the Anglican Church over the last 13 years also his role in the House of the Assembly as chaplain and his contributions to the House of Assembly’s monthly Prayer breakfast.
Dr Pickering said Father Branche’s work and accomplishments in the community over the years are many as he helped nurtured the many people in the Virgin Islands.
“Be it known to all that Father Canon Ronald Branche has, on this the 19th day of September 2015, being declared an Honorary Belonger of the territory of the Virgin islands,” said Deputy Premier Dr Kedrick Pickering who made a similar declaration while bestowing the same honor on Father Branche’s wife, Heather.
“In the educational field, churches always played a significant role in preparing our youths to take their places as we build this great little nation.
They also provide spiritual guidance which positively influences our children and contributes to the development and success of our people in all areas of their lives,” said Dr Pickering who was speaking on behalf of Premier Dr Orlando Smith who – at the time of the ceremony – was overseas.
Meanwhile, Father Branche expressed gratitude for what he considered to be the generosity extended to him and his wife over the 10 years they have served in the BVI.
He also promised to make good use of his Honorary Belonger status.
“We want to thank you for all that you have done for us while we were here. We want to assure you that certainly we will make use of our new statuses.”
Father Branche said he enjoyed the last 13 years in the BVI but it was not always smooth sailing.
Tags: Father Ronald Branche, tortola bvi
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