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TESSA & VIJAY
Tessa Gunter, director of the Humane Society of the BVI, has been awarded the First Caribbean Bank's Unsung Hero award for 2007, for her work with the animals of the BVI.
The 'contribution to the community' award recognizes Tessa's more than 37 years of dedication to the Humane Society, the Animal Shelter, and animal welfare in the BVI.
As one Society member said, "No-one deserves it more. After all, think of the incredible number of animals that literally owe their lives to this one person. Tessa's someone who can truly say that she makes a differenc every day of her life."
Tessa, modest as always, merely commented, "I was in shock, but it is nice because it's all good publicity for the Shelter."
Tessa is helped by Vijay Bissoondutt who has dedicatd his time to helping the animals and general running of the shelter for the last 8 years.
Tessa Gunter, director of the Humane Society of the BVI, has been awarded the First Caribbean Bank's Unsung Hero award for 2007, for her work with the animals of the BVI.
The 'contribution to the community' award recognizes Tessa's more than 37 years of dedication to the Humane Society, the Animal Shelter, and animal welfare in the BVI.
As one Society member said, "No-one deserves it more. After all, think of the incredible number of animals that literally owe their lives to this one person. Tessa's someone who can truly say that she makes a differenc every day of her life."
Tessa, modest as always, merely commented, "I was in shock, but it is nice because it's all good publicity for the Shelter."
Tessa is helped by Vijay Bissoondutt who has dedicatd his time to helping the animals and general running of the shelter for the last 8 years.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) was established in 1975 with the following aims and objectives, as per the original constitution:
• To promote the welfare of all animals in the Territory of the British Virgin Islands;
• To ensure kindness and consideration in the handling of all livestock and domestic pets;
• The preservation of wildlife in the Territory;
• To prevent or suppress cruelty in any form.
• To promote the welfare of all animals in the Territory of the British Virgin Islands;
• To ensure kindness and consideration in the handling of all livestock and domestic pets;
• The preservation of wildlife in the Territory;
• To prevent or suppress cruelty in any form.
BACKGROUND
This non-governmental organization was created by members of the BVI community and was officially opened in December 1975 to provide for the welfare of animals of all kinds and to serve the public of the BVI by providing care of strays and unwanted animals while trying to find good homes for them.
The Humane Society is supported in its work by a membership of individuals and corporate members, whose annual membership fees provided financial assistance to daily operations. Ms. Tessa Gunter took on the role as the first Human Society manager, or Animal Shelter as it is more commonly known, a position which she still holds today, some 36 years later.
The Society receives no Government assistance and is supported by the hard work of Tessa Gunter and her assistant, Vijay Bissoondutt. They also run a boarding and grooming facility as a sideline to cover the cost of overhead. Income is always needed and the Shelter relies heavily upon the donations of the public and the fundraising events like the monthly Yard Sale, Gaming Night Extravaganza, Governor's Auction, and the Dog Show.
The Humane Society is supported in its work by a membership of individuals and corporate members, whose annual membership fees provided financial assistance to daily operations. Ms. Tessa Gunter took on the role as the first Human Society manager, or Animal Shelter as it is more commonly known, a position which she still holds today, some 36 years later.
The Society receives no Government assistance and is supported by the hard work of Tessa Gunter and her assistant, Vijay Bissoondutt. They also run a boarding and grooming facility as a sideline to cover the cost of overhead. Income is always needed and the Shelter relies heavily upon the donations of the public and the fundraising events like the monthly Yard Sale, Gaming Night Extravaganza, Governor's Auction, and the Dog Show.
FACILITIES & LOCATION
The first animal shelter was located in a house on Pasea Estate, near the original TICO store. There was a yard for stray dogs, a number of kennels with runs for boarding dogs, cat cages and a small clinic for veterinary care. The animal shelter relocated 10 years later, in December 1985, as larger facilities were urgently required in order to continue caring for the increasing stray dog and cat population of the BVI.
A piece of land at Johnson’s Ghut was generously provided by Mr. A.O. Shirley, with a monthly rental fee negotiated. At this location the animal shelter was able to construct a purpose built facility with larger boarding kennels, veterinary clinic, multiple yards for dogs and the ability to care for animals other than cats and dogs.
A piece of land at Johnson’s Ghut was generously provided by Mr. A.O. Shirley, with a monthly rental fee negotiated. At this location the animal shelter was able to construct a purpose built facility with larger boarding kennels, veterinary clinic, multiple yards for dogs and the ability to care for animals other than cats and dogs.
