Charlestown-Nevis—It was a brief but very significant ceremony which was held at the parking lot of the Administration building in Charlestown, on Wednesday 10th February.
The occasion?
The commissioning of a brand new bus to be utilized for some of the many activities coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development.
The ceremony was ably chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Keith Glasgow who warmly welcomed all present.
Also addressing the gathering was Junior Minster of Social Development, Hon Hazel Brandy-Williams who gave a historical overview of the acquisition of the bus.
She pointed out that based on the number of activities and the number of persons catered for by her Ministry, it was obvious that a much bigger vehicle was required. In light of that fact, she spoke with the Manager of the Automotive division at Horsfords and managed to seal a deal, which involved a reduced price and an extended payment plan.
She noted that the bus will be utilized throughout the Ministry but especially for the Seniors’ division and the Youth and Sports Department.
She thanked the Horsfords Nevis division, the Manager of the Automotive division and Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mr. Colin Dore for their efforts in securing the vehicle. She also revealed that a driver in the person of Mr. Glenroy Skeete, has been identified and she admonished him to take great care of the bus.
Pastor Wayne Maynard of the Shiloh Baptist Church, who is also a Probation Officer within the Ministry of Social Development, then blessed the bus and sought God’s protection and guidance on the driver/s and all who may be transported therein, from time to time.
Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams then officially handed over the keys for the bus, to Driver Mr. Glenroy Skeete, who in a few brief remarks, indicated that ‘we will have to take care of it and put rules and order in place.’
Mr. Skeete then gave his first passenger, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, a symbolic ‘drive around the block.’
Also present at the ceremony were: Miss D. Michelle Liburd; Miss Zahnela Claxton and Mr. Jamir Claxton.
The thirty (30) seater coaster bus will now be used to enhance and accommodate some of the plans and programs of the Ministry of Social Development.