Groups lauded

MEMBER of Parliament for St. Michael North West Christopher Sinckler has underscored the importance of service clubs and community organisations, which he said are critical to the maintenance of the social fabric of Barbados.

 

He was at the time commending the work carried out over the years by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), which is located in Deacons St. Michael, in the constituency which he represents.

 

Speaking at a recently held Mix and Mingle at the Hilton Barbados, he thanked YWCA President Tamita Griffith and all the past presidents for the contribution which they have made to the development, not just of young women, but women in general in Barbadian society.

 

“The social fabric, our social institutions are so strong. Yes because we have invested quite a bit of money financially in health, education and social welfare as we continue to do so in the future, but it is the basic institutions of the family, 

 

communities, villages, of the institutions that are not governmental... the community based organisations, service clubs that help to strengthen and under-gird that very strong social fabric in our society.”

 

“The “Y” [YMCA] has in all facets of their work been an important element in building that core of the fabric which we enjoy in Barbados and which we have to guard jealously and protect.

 

“In recent times as our cultural morass has changed and adapted to suit the openness of our society to globalisation and all the external forces and influences that come in, we have seen some fraying of that social fabric. Government works very hard to maintain it, the Church plays its role, but other service organisations such as the “Y” are absolutely critical.”

 

As it relates to the Breakfast Programme, he lamented that some persons speak of it derogatorily as a “feeding programme” but stressed that it provides an invaluable service to many persons in the community.

 

In fact he said it is much more than a breakfast programme but allows the volunteers to tap into the needs of the children and families on whom they interact on a daily basis.

 

“It is really a broad social programme that investigates even without the deliberate intention to investigate into social circumstances, it is able to do that based on what you see on a daily basis, the children that come. And you pick up these things through attitudes, their interaction with you, their alertness and attention whether it is present or missing. All of these things are absolutely critical. And then you can assist in any way beyond giving breakfast.”

 

The Finance Minister pledged his Ministry’s support wherever it can assist, or point to agencies within which Government has responsibility to contribute. (JH)