The St. Kitts-Nevis Association on Anguilla has collaborated with the Department of Social Development to make five food baskets available to needy persons here. The young organisation made the presentations to representatives of five persons (who were identified by the Department as deserving of the contribution) on Friday September 18.

Presentation of gifts

Chair of the St. Kitts-Nevis Association Steering Committee, Bernard Wattley, informed that the group was formed one year and three months ago. He said from its inception, members wanted to “find ways of giving back to our adopted homeland.” He appreciated that they were given the privilege to live and work in Anguilla and become a part of the Anguillian community. He said the idea of donating Food Baskets, which also included some household items, to the elderly, was taken onboard because it was thought to be a “brilliant way of expressing our gratitude and appreciation.”

In its short history, the St. Kitts-Nevis Association has made four presentations of five food baskets to the elderly. It has also donated to needy mothers for Mothers Day. Wattley opined that it was possible to increase the frequency of donations.

According to Mr. Wattley, the presentation was significant because his homeland was celebrating its 26th anniversary of independence from Great Britain on Saturday September 19. He said the relief initiative was a “good coincidence” and hoped that it would be appreciated as they “continue to give back to the community in which we are able to enjoy the standard of living…that Anguilla has allowed us to.” He trusted that the baskets would “help out” the beneficiaries.

The Association Chair revealed that his group facilitated the opportunity to bring Kittitians and Nevisians together to “develop ‘camaraderie’ and give them a sense of belonging.” He said that aim was successful. All Kittitians and Nevisians in Anguilla are welcomed to be a part of the Association. The organization’s 12-member Steering Committee meets to make decisions and disseminate information.

Head of the Department’s Elderly and Disabled Unit, Clive F. Smith, thanked the St. Kitts-Nevis Association for what he described as a kind gesture. He stressed that it was a collaborative effort. “We are indeed happy that there are other organisations and individuals out there who join with the Department to reach some of our clientele, in this case, senior citizens,” he said.

Mr. Smith pointed out that his Unit’s mission and vision made provision for the community to assist their outreach to the elderly and disabled. He stated that this was what the St. Kitts-Nevis Association was doing.

Social Worker in the Elderly and Disabled Unit, Jacqueline Bruno, echoed Smith’s sentiments. She noted that the Association had a number of choices and was happy that it chose the elderly. She said the recipients would be grateful.

Speaking on behalf of the needy and their families, Mrs. Ionia Hodge expressed thanks to the St. Kitts Association “for thinking of those that are unable to help themselves.” She also expressed gratitude that there were persons thinking of the disabled in Anguilla. Mrs. Hodge, who takes care of a blind person, said the gesture shows that people remember “those that are unable to help themselves.”

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