Bequia Mission- continuing to reach out

The Bequia Mission continues to assist the people of Bequia in the areas of education and assistance to the elderly.

Recently, 10 schools on the Island received gifts ranging from stationery, a computer printer, sewing supplies, scroll and jigsaw blades etc.{{more}} The Bequia Community High, Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary, Bequia Anglican Primary, Seventh-Day Adventist Primary, Paget Farm Government, The Evangelical pre-school, Glen’s pre- school Dossie’s pre-school, Roman Catholic pre- School and The Sunshine School were among the beneficiaries. The staff and students alike expressed their appreciation to members of the Local Committee for the donations.

Last week Wednesday, members of the Committee made another visit to the primary Schools distributing other gifts to a class in the infant section of each school. Students from different grades identified by teachers as having improved in their school work were also given tokens of appreciation for their effort. In the secondary schools two students from each form identified as having made significant improvement during the school year were also given token of appreciation, recognition and encouragement.

Chairman of the committee Sylvester Tannis said the initiative was taken to demonstrate to the students that there is reward for the diligent application of one’s heart, mind, soul and body to succeed. The students were also encouraged to stay away from crime, drugs, alcohol and violence and not to be copycats to the evils associated with them.

For the third year, fifty three (53) senior citizens and shut-ins were given food-hampers on Sunday April 15, the 2007.

Half of the goods were sent directly from the Mission in Canada and were granted duty free concession by the Government. The balance was purchased locally with funds provided by the parent body in Canada.

Students, Principals and staff thanked the Bequia Mission Canada and the local committee for the continued support given to enhance education on Bequia.

Tannis said that his committee is very happy to be working along with such generous Canadians who, through their love for this beautiful country, continue to give to help the cause of others. “When visitors come to our shores we must know how to threat them, we may never know what the good Lord will use them to do in the interest of our people.”

Other members of the local committee are Patsy Chambers, Carmette Gooding, Myrtle James, Morrie Hercules, Elaine Ollivierre and Catherine Phillips.

The Bequia Mission Canada was formed some 31 years ago by the late Ron and June Armstrong and was reorganized under the leadership of Jerry and Sandra Bird.

The Mission also carries out a feeding programme for shut-ins and school children, offers scholarship and other assistance to persons who qualify under its programme. The Bequia Mission Canada also supports other institutions on mainland St. Vincent.