New mothers in need across the Virgin Islands will soon receive support through a new “Hampers for Mothers” initiative, while families of newborns will once again benefit from the beloved “Books for Babies” programme following its official relaunch at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on Thursday.
The initiatives, unveiled through a partnership involving the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), the Rotary Club of Road Town, Walkers BVI and the BVI Reading Council, are designed to support mothers, encourage early childhood literacy and strengthen family wellbeing throughout the Territory.
During the ceremony, hampers containing essential newborn items were formally handed over to BVIHSA's Social Services Department for distribution to mothers with demonstrated needs. The first Books for Babies package was also presented to an expectant mother.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of BVIHSA and President of the Rotary Club of Road Town, Dr. June Samuel, said the initiatives demonstrate how partnerships can directly improve the lives of patients and families.
Dr. Samuel explained that the Hampers for Mothers initiative emerged from presentations made by nurses during Maternal and Child Health Month in 2025. During that presentation the challenges faced by some mothers who arrive to give birth without basic necessities for their newborns due to financial hardship were explained.
In response, the Rotary Club of Road Town committed to establishing a programme that would provide practical support to vulnerable mothers.
Dr. Samuel also emphasized the importance of the Books for Babies programme at a time when research continues to highlight the benefits of reading for children's cognitive development.
"There’s now a move to get our children and young people off devices and back into books because of the impact technology can have on cognitive development," she said.
The Books for Babies initiative was originally established in 2009 by educator Mrs. H. Lynden Smith, affectionately known as "Teacher Lynden." Inspired by her passion for reading and years of classroom experience, she created the programme to encourage parents to introduce reading to their children from infancy.
"Reading starts in the home, and beginning to have your children reading is very important," Mrs. Smith said during the relaunch ceremony.
Mrs. Smith also acknowledged the support of former Director of the BVI London Office, Ms. Dawn Smith, whose connection with BookTrust London helped launch the programme, along with assistance from the Social Development Department.
Although the initiative was later suspended because of funding and other challenges, it has now been revived through the support of the Rotary Club of Road Town, Walkers BVI and the BVI Reading Council.
BVIHSA expressed gratitude to all partners and supporters whose collaboration made the initiatives possible, noting that the programmes reflect the Authority's ongoing commitment to compassionate care, community engagement and meaningful partnerships that improve lives across the Virgin Islands.
The initiatives, unveiled through a partnership involving the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), the Rotary Club of Road Town, Walkers BVI and the BVI Reading Council, are designed to support mothers, encourage early childhood literacy and strengthen family wellbeing throughout the Territory.
During the ceremony, hampers containing essential newborn items were formally handed over to BVIHSA's Social Services Department for distribution to mothers with demonstrated needs. The first Books for Babies package was also presented to an expectant mother.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of BVIHSA and President of the Rotary Club of Road Town, Dr. June Samuel, said the initiatives demonstrate how partnerships can directly improve the lives of patients and families.
Dr. Samuel explained that the Hampers for Mothers initiative emerged from presentations made by nurses during Maternal and Child Health Month in 2025. During that presentation the challenges faced by some mothers who arrive to give birth without basic necessities for their newborns due to financial hardship were explained.
In response, the Rotary Club of Road Town committed to establishing a programme that would provide practical support to vulnerable mothers.
Dr. Samuel also emphasized the importance of the Books for Babies programme at a time when research continues to highlight the benefits of reading for children's cognitive development.
"There’s now a move to get our children and young people off devices and back into books because of the impact technology can have on cognitive development," she said.
The Books for Babies initiative was originally established in 2009 by educator Mrs. H. Lynden Smith, affectionately known as "Teacher Lynden." Inspired by her passion for reading and years of classroom experience, she created the programme to encourage parents to introduce reading to their children from infancy.
"Reading starts in the home, and beginning to have your children reading is very important," Mrs. Smith said during the relaunch ceremony.
Mrs. Smith also acknowledged the support of former Director of the BVI London Office, Ms. Dawn Smith, whose connection with BookTrust London helped launch the programme, along with assistance from the Social Development Department.
Although the initiative was later suspended because of funding and other challenges, it has now been revived through the support of the Rotary Club of Road Town, Walkers BVI and the BVI Reading Council.
BVIHSA expressed gratitude to all partners and supporters whose collaboration made the initiatives possible, noting that the programmes reflect the Authority's ongoing commitment to compassionate care, community engagement and meaningful partnerships that improve lives across the Virgin Islands.
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