The BVI Community raised just over $30,000 in 24 hours to save the house of Dameon Percival, a well-known on-air radio personality. The talk show host’s house went into foreclosure in June and was posted on the National Bank of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page on Thursday, 22 June.
The money was raised via pledges made by persons inside and outside the community who called and donated pledges as low as $15.00 and as high as $3,000.00. Pledges were made by private citizens and promoters. A very special pledge of $1,000 was made by his godmother from Carrot Bay.
“I’m overwhelmed by the level of support the community has shown to me, and grateful to Cindy and Heritage for stepping forward and making this happen,” Percival said.
“The results of today have given me a renewed sense of community and what could happen when we support each other.” he went on to say.
The unprecedented telethon was organised by Cindy Rosan and Floyd “Heritage” Burnett. Burnett and Rosan share hosting seats with Percival on the Morning Braff Show, a popular morning show on 100.5 FM. The hosts urged residents to call in or text their pledges and provided an ATH Móvil number where pledges could be wired immediately. Alternatively, those pledging could make deposits at the bank addressed to the cause.
The pledges will now be used to save the 0.283 acres (12,327 sq. ft.) of land. Described as “ land currently developed with a one-story residential dwelling thereon,” the Long Look property is “approximately 10-15 minutes' drive from Road Town and a similar distance from the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport. The property sits on the hillside with views over Beef Island through to Virgin Gorda. The property comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with amenities and covered porch while the lower level is assumed to be storage area,” said the foreclosure notice.
Percival, who took tallies of the money committed on-air, sounded thankful for each pledge made and was humbled by the support. A former civil servant, Percival last served the territory as commissioner of the Taxi and Livery Commission, a position he occupied from 2012 to 2019. Upon the election of a Virgin Islands Party Government following the 2019 General Election, Percival, who was a strong critic of the VIP on the 2019 campaign trail, was relieved of his position and was subsequently denied other government jobs and a taxi license which he applied for in 2022. Those actions resulted in the loss of income and the ability to service his mortgage.
Money raised from today’s telethon will be used to cancel back owed payments. The payments will hopefully result in the bank cancelling foreclosure actions and returning the house to Percival and his family.