BVI Olympic Committee AGM and Elections Highlight Vision for 2025-2028 Quadrennial

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 5, 2024, at the BVIOC Office, Road Reef Plaza, Tortola. Representatives from National Federations (NFs) and the Athletes’ Commission gathered to reflect on achievements, elect new officers, and outline the path forward for the next quadrennial.

Elected Officers for 2024-2028

Key positions on the BVIOC Executive Committee were filled during the elections, including:

         •        President: Mr. Ephraim Penn (returning)

         •        1st Vice President: Ms. Sabinah Clement (returning)

         •        Secretary General: Mr. Lloyd Black (returning)

         •        Treasurer: Mr. Mark Chapman (returning)

•        2nd Vice President: Ms. Ashley Kelly (newly elected, previously Athletes’ Commission Representative)

         •        Member At Large: Mr. Zebalon McLean

The Athletes’ Commission Representative on the Executive Committee will now be elected by the Athletes’ Commission.

Outgoing members, Mr. Ralston Henry (2nd Vice President) and Ms. Gloria Leola Fahie (Member At Large), were recognized for their significant contributions to the BVIOC.

The independent Election Commission overseeing the democratic process comprised Mr. Wayne Robinson, Mr. Rhennie Phipps, and Ms. Makalia Smith.

Federation and AGM Highlights

Representatives from Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Netball, Rugby, Sailing, Skiing, Squash, Softball-Baseball, Swimming, Tennis, Taekwondo, and Volleyball presented their 2024 achievements and highlights. Two new National Federations, Cricket and Surfing, were officially accepted as Members of the BVIOC, reflecting the growing diversity of sports in the BVI[SC1] .

President Ephraim Penn’s Vision for 2025-2028

President Ephraim Penn unveiled the BVIOC’s strategic focus for the upcoming quadrennial:

  • Establishing a National Sports Structure to unify and strengthen sports governance in the BVI. This will involve one-on-one meetings with each NF to assess current status and provide a pathway framework.
  • Completing the 25m Competition Swimming Pool, enhancing aquatic sports infrastructure.
  • Introducing a Safeguarding Commission to ensure athlete safety and well-being.
  • Launching the BVI Olympic Academy to educate and inspire through Olympic values.
  • Partnering with DYAS and the Ministry of Health to advance the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) programme.
  •  Working towards sustainability in sports

The LTAD programme will include collaborations like the ongoing 3×3 Basketball initiative with Sea Cow’s Bay Baseball and Basketball Club.

“Our guiding principles will continue to align with the International Olympic Charter: to inspire through sports performance and education; excel by empowering everyone to achieve their best; and foster collaboration through impactful and effective partnerships,” said President Penn. ”Our open door policy remains in place for all National Federations and we encourage you to make an appointment to meet with us on Fridays to discuss matters in which we can assist. We look forward to working together for great successes in all sports in the next quadrennial.”

Looking Ahead

The AGM marked a commitment to leveraging sports as a vehicle for growth, empowerment, and national pride. With the strategic initiatives in place, the BVIOC is poised to further enhance its support for athletes and federations in the British Virgin Islands.


 

Ephraim Penn Elected President of ANOCES


Ephraim Penn, President ANOCES and BVIOC seeks information for small NOCs at 2024 ANOC assembly Cascais, Portugal. Photo: ANOC

Ephraim Penn, the President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), was elected as the new President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES). Penn’s election took place on the afternoon of Friday, 18 October 2024, during the General Assembly of ANOCES at the Sandals Beaches Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
 
Penn’s election to this prestigious position underscores his outstanding leadership in regional sports development and his unwavering commitment to the Olympic movement. Under his guidance, the British Virgin Islands has seen significant advancements in both grassroots and elite sports, and his new role with ANOCES is poised to elevate his influence in shaping the future of sports across the Eastern Caribbean.
 
Penn expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by the member National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to strengthen the Olympic movement. “I am honored to serve as the President of ANOCES, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Eastern Caribbean to advance the development of sports, support our athletes, and further promote the Olympic ideals,” said Penn. “Together, we will build a stronger, and more unified sports community in the region.”
 
Leadership Team Appointments
In addition to Penn’s election, the General Assembly saw the appointment of Dominica’s Billy Doctrove as Vice President of ANOCES also serving as President of the Dominica NOC. The Assembly also re-elected former Executive Members: Keith Joseph (General Secretary), also serving as SG of the St Vincent and the Grenadines NOC, Glenville Jeffers (Treasurer) also serving in the same position for the
St Kitts and Nevis NOC, and Cliff Williams (Committee Member) who also sits as the SG of the Antigua and Barbuda NOC.
 
The continuity of this experienced leadership team is expected to provide stability and momentum as the organisation works toward achieving its goals for the future of Eastern Caribbean sports.
 
Strategic Meetings
ANOCES also set its course for future planning with a meeting to be held in Panama City, Panama, from November 12 – 14 2024, where the Centennial of Centro Caribe Sport (CCS), formerly the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO), will be celebrated. This will serve as pivotal moment for ANOCES members to discuss and map out the organisation’s strategic priorities moving forward.