Up until the 1960’s, both the Anglican and Methodist churches played an integral role in the education system in the British Virgin Islands .

Today, the Government and private sector run most of the schools, with a few operated under religious regiments.

After 40 years, Reverend Selwyn Vanterpool MBE, has returned after retirement to serve voluntarily as a supernumerary minister in his homeland.

Born in The Valley, Virgin Gorda, the Methodist minister spent the last 40 years ministering throughout the Caribbean and as far as Holland .

Reverend Vanterpool is willing and ready to make a difference in his community. “This is the

community that nurtured me and feel I ought to be giving back something that I owe so much to. I feel this is the time when I am in a position to give,” the Reverend told the Standpoint in an interview on Tuesday.

Reverend Vanterpool has been involved in working with the youth over the years sees the need for more to be done to help them.

“I think it is the way to go, churchs need to look around and see what are the most pressing needs in the community,” he recommended.

“There is much more that need to be done particularly for the youth, when you hear of the number of youth that appear before the court,” the Reverend continued.

The Reverend said the need now is greater than it has ever been and the churches need to be more involved.

Noting that the Government is doing its part, Reverend Vanterpool said it cannot do everything and that is where the church come in.

The Reverend said youth-crime is indicative of a break down in the home and family. He said the schools and churches must try to fill that gap.

“Church has to be involved in dialogue with communities and come up with best programmes,” said the former Superintendent Minister of the St. Croix Circuit.

He added that programmes also needed to be put in place to assist parents to deal with the situation.

“We have to work together as churches,” he said pointing out the Christian Council is the machinery to do so as it brings together the different denominations.

With his experience of working with youth and community outreach programmes in the Caribbean , Reverend Vanterpool explained how the programmes benefited the communities and youth he worked with.

 He built the Methodist Education and Outreach Centre in St. Croix and started what is now known as Christ Church Methodist Education and Outreach Services in St. Thomas . “That has been very effective in reaching the entire community, particularly the young people including Hispanics, and persons who have not completed high school,” the Reverend pointed out.

He said the youth are taught all types of skills through the programmes including dressmaking computing and even language.

He also noted the success of the Christ Church Steel Orchestra, which recently returned from Tennessee where they visited and played at several churches.

The Reverend said the steel orchestra is used as a vehicle to teach the youth how to cope with the drug situation and provides a positive alternative to keep them away from drugs.

“Kids who never knew to play steel orchestra felt good about themselves,” Reverend Vanterpool said.

However, he pointed out that such programmes for youth should not just teach them to do things, but skilfully impart values, and help to build their self esteem.

“It’s the sort of approach that everyone would be comfortable with,” said the Reverend who served as manager of the St. Andrews and Wesley High School in Dominica .

What was also interesting, Reverend Vanterpool said, was that the programmes attracted persons in the community who were not interested in religion.

 “In doing all of this, we believe we are following in the footsteps of Jesus, in helping not only the spiritual needs of people but their total needs.”

Reverend Vanterpool has already fit back into his homeland and preached at the Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church Harvest Service last Sunday.

This Sunday, he will be taking the communal at the Road Town Methodist Church , his alma mater.

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