ABOUT US...

The Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands (HSBVI) is a registered non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of homeless, abandoned, neglected, and abused animals throughout the British Virgin Islands. Since 1975, we have provided shelter, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and loving homes for thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, while promoting responsible pet ownership through education, community outreach, and spay/neuter initiatives.

Powered by a small team of dedicated staff and passionate volunteers, we are committed to giving every animal a second chance and creating a more compassionate future for animals across the BVI.

Meet Our Team

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Manog 'Vijay' Bissoondutt, Shelter Manager
Vijay  is our Shelter Manager and has worked at the Humane Society for over 28 years. He tirelessly dedicates his time with helping the animals and the general running of the shelter.
Vijay knows all the dogs and cats by name and can help you find the perfect pet if you are interested in adoption. He also enjoys educating our local children how to take care of animals.

In 2023 Vijay received an Honorary MBE for his contributions to animal welfare.
His Excellency Governor John Rankin CMG said: “Running the shelter can be a selfless task, sometimes heart-breaking and sometimes frustrating. Much of the work is not carried out in the limelight and is not always realised or recognised. But through his daily, weekly and yearly commitment, for his passion and for making a difference for many hundreds of animals who have gone on to live better lives, Vijay is deserving of reward and recognition.”
Kemo Persaud,
Shelter Assistant
Kemo joined the Humane Society in 2018 and has become an invaluable member of our shelter team.

Whether he's cleaning kennels, walking dogs, caring for the animals, or simply spending time cuddling our cats and dogs, Kemo's dedication, hard work and gentle nature shine through every day. 
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In Loving Memory
Tessa Gunter,
Founder 
Tessa was the founder of the Humane Society. She passed away in 2013 after dedicating nearly 40 years of her life to improving the lives of animals across the BVI.

Click here for a page dedicated to her life story and pictures.
Vijay continues her legacy with the same passion, love and understanding of animals.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vijay and Kemo are supported by a dedicated Board of Directors consisting of seven volunteers who help with fundraising, marketing, finances, planning, shelter maintenance, volunteer coordination, and many other behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the Humane Society running.
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Els Kraakman,
CHAIR WOMAN

Els has called the BVI home since 2000 and lives in a self-built home in Brewers Bay. Together with her husband, Gerard, she owns and operates GK Construction, while also working as a Crewed Charter Broker and Marketing Manager for Waypoints Yacht Charters. A passionate animal lover, Els has fostered more than 300 puppies and shares her home with her rescue dog, Monkey. She joined the Humane Society's Board of Directors in 2018 and is actively involved in fundraising, marketing, finance, and the development of the shelter.
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Amanda McKenna,
VICE CHAIR

Amanda moved to the BVI in 2005 and works as the Marketing and Reservations Manager for Virgin Charter Yachts in Nanny Cay. A passionate animal lover, she also volunteers with Paw BVI, helping with its trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for stray cats. Amanda joined the Humane Society in 2018 as both a volunteer and Board member. She regularly fosters kittens and cats, giving them a safe and loving home while they take a break from shelter life and wait for their forever families.
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Colin Riegels,
SECRETARY

Colin has been connected to the BVI since 1973 and has served on the Humane Society's Board of Directors since 2009. Throughout his legal career, he practised as a barrister in London, taught law at Oxford University, and later became a Managing Partner and lawyer at Harneys. Now based in London, UK, Colin continues to support the Humane Society with his legal expertise and governance experience. At home, he is happily owned by three dogs.

Nigel MacPhail,
TREASURER

Nigel qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG London in 1996 before moving to the BVI to join KPMG British Virgin Islands. Following the firm's rebranding to Baker Tilly in 2004, he was promoted to Senior Manager and, in 2006, became Director of the Audit and Accounting Department. A dedicated animal lover, Nigel shares his home with four rescued island dogs. He has been a longtime member of the Humane Society's Board of Directors and continues to support its mission with his financial expertise and passion for animal welfare.
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Nancy Pascoe,
BOARD MEMBER

Nancy was born in the BVI and has been involved with the Humane Society since childhood, when she volunteered at the original shelter in Pasea. She is the Deputy Director for Science, Research and Environmental Policy at the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, bringing valuable knowledge and experience in conservation and animal welfare. Nancy has served on the Humane Society’s Board of Directors since it was registered as a company in 2009.
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Kirstie Palmer,
BOARD MEMBER

Kirstie lived and worked in the BVI for 17 years, building a successful career in the charter and sailing industry. She now lives in Annapolis, Maryland, where she works as Director of Waypoints Yacht Charters.
A lifelong animal lover, Kirstie joined the Humane Society's Board of Directors in 2018 and remains actively involved in supporting the shelter and its mission from the United States.
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SOPHIE FEUERSTEIN,
BOARD MEMBER

Sophie has called the BVI home since 2011. With a doctorate in biophysics and a minor in zoo-physiology, she has a lifelong passion for animals, their health, and their welfare. A dedicated dog lover and owner of three dogs, Sophie joined the Humane Society's Board of Directors in 2019. She is a familiar face at the shelter, where she regularly volunteers her time walking and caring for the dogs.


Mission Statement

Since its establishment in 1975, the Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands has been dedicated to improving the lives of animals throughout the Territory. Our mission, as set out in our original constitution, is to:

  • Promote the welfare of all animals in the British Virgin Islands.
  • Encourage kindness, compassion, and responsible care in the treatment of all livestock and domestic pets.
  • Protect and preserve the Territory's wildlife and natural biodiversity.
  • Prevent and oppose cruelty to animals in all its forms.
More than 50 years later, these principles continue to guide everything we do—from rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals to educating the community and advocating for better animal welfare across the British Virgin Islands.