ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, March 10, 2014 – GIS: Friday, March 7, was a calm and sunny day. A perfect day for a photo shoot, which is what British Hello! Magazine followed Dr. Johnson Beharry VC to Grenada to do.
The first living recipient of the Victoria Cross in over 30 years, is here with his new bride, Mrs. Mallissa Beharry and their first- born son, Master Ayden Beharry, for a photo shoot with extended family members in Grenada.
In a short interview with the GIS at the Spice Island Beach Resort on Friday, Dr. Beharry, who is returning to his homeland for the first time in 2 1/2 years, said that he was thrilled to be home and that he was especially happy to have Hello! Magazine, who has covered many of his important life events, accompany him on this trip.
"Hello! Magazine has covered my wedding, the birth of my son and other things we have done in the past, but to have them here in Grenada is a dream come true, because that will get Grenada out there on the map and that is amazing," Dr. Beharry said.
The War Hero, who had a near death experience in Iraq back in 2004, said that lately he has been using most of this time to help misguided youth in the UK through his recently launched Johnson Beharry VC Foundation, which aims to lead youngsters away from a life of drugs and crime.
The JBVC Foundation dedicates itself to recruiting, rehabilitating, training and preparing former gang members for the world of work. It also extends a helping hand to the children of soldiers who passed away in Iraq and Afghanistan by way of ensuring that they are properly educated and cared for.
Dr. Beharry said that his plan for the not-too-distant future is to start a similar foundation here in Grenada.
“The Charity in the United Kingdom is not financially demanding. So, I have decided that I will set up a Phase II to my charity for underprivileged children in Grenada. What I want to do for Grenada is give books, uniform and scholarships to the UK…so part of the reason why I am here, as well, is to do some research on that," the Victoria Cross recipient said.
Also meeting with the Grenadian War Hero on Friday was Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Culture, Senator the Hon. Brenda Hood. Representing the Ministry of Tourism and the Grenada Tourism Authority, she referred to Dr. Beharry as a Grenadian Ambassador in his own right and said that she anticipates incredible tourism benefits from his Hello! Magazine coverage.
"We are proud to have Dr. Beharry as a son of the soil. Having him and Hello! Magazine here to promote the destination is a wonderful idea and we thank him for that. It is amazing the marketing and publicity that will come out of this," Senator Hood said.
