ROAD TOWN, Tortola, British Virgin Islands — NAGICO Insurances has strengthened its commitment to youth development in the Virgin Islands with a $10,000 donation to the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) following the successful staging of its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose on Saturday, June 6.
The donation was presented by NAGICO Manager Shaquilla Smith to YEP Deputy Director Bianca Dougan at the conclusion of the event held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) campus in Paraquita Bay. The funds will support YEP’s ongoing mission of providing free after-school programmes, mentorship opportunities and positive developmental experiences for young people throughout the Territory.
More than 250 participants took part in the event, which brought together families, fitness enthusiasts, corporate partners and community supporters in a show of solidarity for the Territory’s youth. Organizers noted that the youngest participant was just four years old while the oldest was over 80, highlighting the broad community support behind the initiative.
NAGICO Managing Director Shan Mohamed said the company was proud to partner with YEP and invest in programmes that help shape the next generation of Virgin Islanders.
“We believe that supporting our youth is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of the Virgin Islands,” Mohamed said. “Every young person deserves access to opportunities, guidance and positive influences that can help them realize their full potential. This donation will go a long way in supporting YEP’s efforts to empower and uplift our youth, and ultimately help save and transform lives through education, mentorship and meaningful engagement.”
The event also featured remarks from At-Large Representative and YEP Executive Director Honourable Stacey Mather, who highlighted the critical role partnerships between the private sector and community organizations play in expanding opportunities for young people.
Mather noted that the support received through the event not only raised funds but also elevated awareness of YEP’s work across the Territory.
“When corporate BVI shows up for our youth in such numbers, our reach increases,” Mather said. “NAGICO has further elevated our profile and allowed more businesses to see the great work we do.”
This year marks YEP’s 21st year of service to the Virgin Islands. Over the past two decades, the organization has positively impacted countless young people through educational support, mentorship programmes and personal development initiatives aimed at helping youth reach their full potential.
Deputy Director Bianca Dougan expressed gratitude for the donation and the overwhelming support shown by the community.
“I was truly encouraged by the incredible turnout and community support shown throughout the event,” Dougan said. “We are honoured to have received this donation, which will help us continue providing free after-school programmes and valuable opportunities for the young people we serve. As a nonprofit organization, every dollar makes a difference, and we are grateful for this generous contribution.”
In addition to raising funds for youth development, the event celebrated athletic achievement. Six participants received trophies for outstanding performances, including awards for the fastest male and female runners overall, the fastest male and female runners under 17, and the fastest male and female runners under 12.
NAGICO also recognized the many individuals and organizations that contributed to the event’s success, including Stephanie Ross-Penn, Head of the HLSCC Athletic Association, and her team for their assistance with race timing, route management and bib distribution. Special recognition was also given to Kay Reddy, Road Race Director, along with the event’s corporate sponsors, volunteers and supporters.
The successful fundraiser represents more than a financial contribution. It reflects a growing partnership between the business community and organizations dedicated to youth empowerment at a time when many stakeholders are calling for greater investment in programmes that provide young people with positive pathways for success.
With strong community participation and positive feedback from attendees, both NAGICO and YEP have already signaled their intention to build on this year’s momentum and return with an even bigger and more impactful event in 2027.