IoD Jersey Debate raises money to support residents of hurricane-torn BVI

Attendees at this year’s IoD Jersey Annual Debate have raised almost £3,500 to support residents in the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) impacted by Hurricane Irma.

During this year’s Debate, held on 21st September and attended by around 400 business leaders, politicians, representatives of the third sector and students, a collection was held in aid of the BVI Hurricane Irma Relief Fund, with a total of £3,449 being raised. 

Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria, caused widespread destruction and a number of fatalities when it hit the Caribbean last month.

IoD Jersey Chairman Chris Clark, said: "A lot of people here in Jersey have colleagues, friends and family in the BVI, and our flagship Debate event gave us a valuable opportunity to reach out to our members and contacts and ask them to support a cause that is very close to our hearts.”

Alex Ohlsson, Partner at Carey Olsen, who sponsored the Debate, added: “In previous years, we have held a collection at the IoD Debate in aid of local charities but this year we agreed that the BVI Hurricane Irma Relief Fund would be a worthy beneficiary as we have been acutely aware of the destruction the hurricane caused.”

The IoD Jersey Annual Debate, entitled ‘Funding our Future’, took place on 21st September at the RJA&HS and focused on the future role of government, Jersey’s population policy, and approaches to taxation and education.