Coastguard distributes 80 food baskets to Georgetown residents

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service recently distributed 80 food baskets to residents of Georgetown as part of their annual Food Basket distribution.{{more}}

The distribution of food baskets was the initiative of Station Sergeant Charles Adams, who began distribution in December of 1991, to the senior and needy residents of the Calliaqua community. This distribution, which is one of the outreach programmes of the Coastguard, has migrated to numerous communities throughout St Vincent.

This year’s distribution was held on December 13, 2012 at the Georgetown Hospital. Lieutenant Deon Henry, Deputy Coastguard Commander, at the distribution ceremony informed the recipients that over the past 21 years, the Coastguard has distributed over 1,500 food baskets to various communities. He also mentioned that despite our current economic condition and the economy of the world, the Coastguard continues to explore all avenues available to ensure that the distribution of food baskets remains a permanent fixture on its Calendar of Events.

Food Basket Distribution coordinator, Leading Seaman Lisa Browne expressed her satisfaction with the total effort of all involved in this year’s Food Basket distribution. She also paid tribute to Station Sergeant Adams, first Food Basket coordinator, for his vision of initiating the project 21 years ago. She expressed her gratitude to the various business houses and individuals for their generous contributions to the Coastguard Food Basket distribution.

Special mention was made of John West, managing director of Total Marine Management (TMM), for his company’s support to the Coastguard Food Basket distribution for the past 17 consecutive years.

The distribution of food baskets was attended by the executive of the Rotary Club St Vincent South, who came onboard the Coastguard Food basket ship in 2011 as crew members. President of the Rotary Club St Vincent South Granville Williams informed the recipients of how pleased the club is to partner with the Coastguard to share the blessings of Christmas through the donation of food baskets to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

Williams also indicated that the Rotary Club will continue to collaborate with the Coastguard in this worthy venture and expressed the hope that over the next few years, the distribution of food baskets by the Coastguard can bring joy to an even greater number of people.

The recipients expressed their gratitude to the Coastguard for their provision of food baskets to members of the Georgetown community. Lieutenant Henry reminded the recipients that the food basket distribution is one of the avenues through which the Coastguard gives back to the communities, because members of the Coastguard were nurtured by these communities and also giving back helps to build the Coastguard Service’s public relations.