PM honours promise to deliver gift baskets to elderly, shut-ins in South Rivers

Tuesday was a joyous day for elderly residents and shut-ins of South Rivers, with some 59 persons receiving Christmas gift baskets.{{more}}

The distribution of the gift baskets is the fulfilment of a promise that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who is also Minister of National Security and Parliamentary Representative for North Windward, made on November 25 that he would make resources available to the South Rivers Police Youth Club to provide food hampers for elderly persons and shut-ins of that community over the Christmas holidays.

“We must always remember the meaning of Christmas. It is a time for giving,” Gonsalves said at the distribution ceremony at the South Rivers Methodist School hard court.

Gonsalves said it is important that the youth link with the elderly of the community, because it affords a great opportunity for them to harness knowledge that is not recorded in books.

“We have to make sure that we take care of the elderly. A lot of people forget the reason for Christmas. It is for love and peace, as well as forgiveness and redemption of our sins,” said Gonsalves.

National Coordinator of Police Youth Clubs Sergeant Cecile McMaster said it is always a joy working with young people, more so meeting the older folks.

She thanked Gonsalves for making the distribution of gifts possible.

District Commander Brinsley Ballantyne remarked: “When I see the smiles on these elderly people faces, it makes me feel good. When I see you happy, it makes me happy.”

He implored residents of South Rivers to support the South Rivers Police Youth Club.

The gift baskets comprised bottles of red wine, beverages and foodstuff.

(Police Public Relations & Complaints Dept.)