Ballymoney man travels to Falklands to support island’s only deaf child

North Antrim MP Jim Allister with Ballymoney man James McVicker

A Ballymoney man is travelling thousands of miles to the Falkland Islands to help transform the daily life of the islands’ only deaf child — by teaching sign language not just to him, but to his classmates and community.

James McVicker, an accomplished British Sign Language interpreter, is visiting the Falklands to assist young resident Thomas, who is currently the only deaf child living on the islands.

During his visit, Mr McVicker will work with Thomas’ classmates and members of the wider community, teaching them sign language to help improve communication and support the boy’s educational and social development.

The initiative aims to ensure Thomas is better included in everyday school life while also helping the wider community develop the skills needed to communicate with him.

Mr McVicker’s visit will also include a meeting with the Governor of the Falkland Islands. He is carrying a letter of greeting from North Antrim MP Jim Allister, who has praised the Ballymoney man’s commitment to supporting the deaf community.

In his letter commending Mr McVicker, Mr Allister highlighted what he described as a shared sense of connection between Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

He wrote that Northern Ireland feels great affinity with the Falklands “given that in both our cases our Britishness has been subject to severe attack - in your case through a full case invasion and in ours through a vicious and sustained terrorist campaign. In consequence there is considerable fellow feeling among my constituents towards your citizens”.

Speaking about the visit, Mr Allister said:

“This is a wonderful venture by James, whom I have known for some years as a most dedicated worker and volunteer with the deaf community. To see him bringing comfort and help to a young boy on the other side of the world typifies his dedication and commitment.”

Mr McVicker’s journey highlights how specialist skills from Northern Ireland are reaching far beyond local communities — helping ensure that even in one of the world’s most remote places, a young child is not left isolated by communication barriers.

At a glance

• Ballymoney man James McVicker is travelling to the Falkland Islands to support the islands’ only deaf child, Thomas.

• Mr McVicker is a British Sign Language interpreter with experience working with the deaf community.

• During the visit he will teach sign language to Thomas’ classmates and members of the wider community.

• The aim is to improve communication and support Thomas’ education and social inclusion.

• Mr McVicker is also due to meet the Governor of the Falkland Islands during the trip.

• North Antrim MP Jim Allister has sent a letter of greeting with Mr McVicker and praised his dedication to helping the deaf community.