Bequia Foundation receives monetary donation from St George Lodge

The St George Lodge 2616 on Saturday February 24, 2024, presented a cheque in the amount of EC$2,000 to the Sylvester Ambrose Simmons Memorial Foundation at De Reef in Bequia.

The cheque was handed over by the Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Barry De Freitas.

Receiving the check on behalf of the Foundation was its treasurer, Rowena Peters, in the presence of the chairman, Macauley Peters and other members.

De Freitas spoke in the presentation of their support for the Sylvester Ambrose Simmons Memorial Foundation, recognising the community-driven initiatives of the foundation and the positive impact of Sylvester Simmons’ contributions during his lifetime.

“A teacher, a clerk of the Bequia District, a Mariner, a Rotarian and an entrepreneur- all titles Sylvester Simmons earned and carried. It is a sad and beautiful thing when we recognise the void in community support when someone has passed. I say beautiful because recognising that void signifies the full and positive contribution he made while alive.”

De Freitas praised the Foundation’s annual events- the boat race and fishing competition- as significant gatherings that celebrate maritime heritage and promote community bonding.

He underscored the importance of community support and unity in achieving common goals, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s activities.

“As we come together to support the endeavours of the Sylvester Ambrose Simmons Memorial Foundation, let us remember the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the profound impact that each of us can make when we unite for a common cause.”

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest fraternal organisation, aimed to promote virtuous and socially oriented lives among its members. St. George Lodge 2616 EC, part of the District Grand Lodge of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, operates under the United Grand Lodge of England, they emphasise their commitment to charitable causes and highlight their decision to publicise their charitable activities in increasing awareness and community involvement.

The Lodge is planning on making other charitable contributions on the mainland in the coming months.

The Foundation, meanwhile, will host the first of what is expected to be an annual series of boat races for the Sylvester Ambrose Simmons Cup. The races, to take place on the weekend of March 16-17 in Bequia, are expected to draw participation from across the State, including young aspiring sailors from youth clubs, drawing boats of different classifications. It will wrap up with an awards ceremony at De Reef at Lower Bay. The Foundation’s management said they will be focussing on what Simmons was most enthusiastic about- the acquisition of marine skills in the youths of the Grenadines, and the continuation of boat racing and fishing competitions as Community Sports. The Foundation has a current membership of 91 “and a strong management committee working within the prescribed legal framework that is well placed to achieve those objectives,” the release adds.