Youth volunteers construct new home for senior citizen

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 29, 2010 (SKNIS): In what must seem like a dream come true, retired sanitation worker Charles Abbott is enjoying the comfort of a new home courtesy the Department of Youth in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment.
 
The 83-year-old sat in front of his residence at Ponds Estate on Saturday, singing the popular children’s song “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” as the 9x8 feet structure was demolished and replaced with a new 12x16 home.
 
“I feel happy and good,” Mr. Abbott said appreciatively, as staff members from the Department of Youth were joined by youth volunteers, carpenters from the Public Works Department, members of the Peace Corps and community activists from the area, to build and paint the interior of the new home. “I thank God for Geoffrey and the people who are here working because I don’t have anywhere to sleep. I might get to lie down tonight, in the name of the Lord.”
 
At the close of the day, Mr. Abbott was able to get that good night’s rest on a new bed donated by Courts. Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley thanked Courts and other major sponsors including TDC, Builders Paradise, Domus Windows and Doors, LIME, SOL, The Cable, Gordon Pemberton Construction, Parliamentary Representative Honourable Dr. Earl Asim Martin, Ricky Bassue and Newtown Sports Club for contributing construction materials. He also praised others that provided assistance in various forms such as refreshments, transportation and encouragement.
 
Director Hanley further expressed gratitude to the persons that actually worked on the house, many of whom he said, walked away with important lessons. These include showing respect for elders, appreciating the sacrifices of parents, committing to help parents in their golden years, and rewarding decades of community service. 
 
The activity fell under the inaugural Youth Habitat Project which was included as part of the November observance of Youth Month in St. Kitts. Mr. Hanley explained that he was encouraged by the outcome.
 
“The young people … recognize that they have started something that is very positive … and I am [planning] for this to be something we can continue every year,” the Youth Director said, noting that deserving persons will be identified in various communities. He added his desire for this exercise to be replicated in other Caribbean territories.
 
The house building exercise will be featured on this week’s edition of SKNIS’ radio magazine, Perspectives.