By: Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis— A brief but impressive ceremony was held at the Administration Building yard in Charlestown, on Friday 5th June.
The ceremony which was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Keith Glasgow, featured the official handing over of a minivan from Trust Services Nevis Ltd to the Ministry of Social Development.
Mr. Glasgow in his opening remarks noted that such a vehicle was needed to enable the effective carrying out of the plans, programs and projects of the Community Development Department.
Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister within the Ministry of Social Development noted that she had used her time within the Financial Services sector wisely and had made some significant connections.
She pointed to Mr. Paul Mason who is in charge of Trust Services Nevis Ltd, as a client who was not only successful but easy to work with.
She stated that when she approached Mason about the possible donation of a vehicle to the Ministry of Social Development, and once he heard that the vehicle will be used to positively impact the youth, he willingly agreed to make the donation.
She also used the opportunity to challenge the Director of the Community Development Department, Mrs. Janet Meloney, to ensure that more and more programs are ‘rolled out’ to positively impact the society and especially that vulnerable age group that pertains to the youth of the country.
She also acknowledged the significant roles played in acquiring the vehicle by Mrs. Shelly Liburd and Mrs. Nicoyan Hanley-Browne.
Mr. Mason for his part stated that his company was happy to be of such assistance that impacts the community in a real way. He noted that when the bus is driven throughout the island, persons will be able to see that it was donated by the Trust Services company.
Mrs. Janet Meloney, in delivering the vote of thanks, acknowledged the efforts of Permanent Secretary Glasgow and Minister Hazel Brandy-Williams in procuring the vehicle.
She stated that it will be put to immediate use and pointed out that three programs are already on stream for which the use of the vehicle will be an integral part.
These programs are: ‘Character Building Program’; ‘Oualie Starz’, and ‘Camp refresh’
.
The minivan was then blessed by Pastor Wayne Maynard who is a member of staff at the Ministry of Social Development.
The keys were then handed over by Mr. Paul Mason to the Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, who in turn handed them over to Mrs. Janet Meloney, who took her first drive of the vehicle, to the cheers of the onlookers.