BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHEN local businessman Desmond Herbert had thought about establishing a foundation to aid in the eradication of a number of social ills plaguing the Federation, he anticipated that within six months other members of the business community would have gotten onboard.
Two years have since passed and that dream is yet to materialise, but Herbert has declared that he intends to continue.
“God has laid this on my heart and because of my willingness to follow Him, I will continue. I would have been happy if other persons from the business community could have seen the importance of supporting such an initiative,” Herbert told SKNVibes Business.
He believes that in difficult financial times there is need for organisations like his, the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation, would be able to address the many challenges and difficulties that members of the public are facing.
“As a businessman, I can tell you that with growing financial difficulties people are not spending as they did in the past,” he said, adding that his organisation would continue working with the view that other stakeholders would get onboard.
“This is for the people, and while I am sure that we are all faced with some difficulties, due to what is happening in the world today, we must recognise that some of us are more fortunate than others and therefore should be willing to extend a hand of assistance to those in need,” he said.
Herbert pointed out that women, children and the elderly are his target group, noting that he intends to continue working with them in an effort to alleviate some of their challenges.
Commenting on his monthly feeding programme, Herbert disclosed that he would continue despite the limited assistance and contribution offered.
“A lot of people want to support but, unfortunately, they are financially challenged and are therefore unable to make contributions,” he said. He however issued a passionate call to the business community to set aside funds and assistance to aid in initiatives like these.
“I am a businessman myself and I am cognisant that the business community has their respective approach and beliefs as to what they support. But I believe that we can effectively address this problem if every business establishment can work towards supporting at least 20 less fortunate persons every month,” he said.
He pointed out to SKNVibes Business that feeding persons once a month is not his ultimate objective, but noted that with support they could and would increase the days.
“There are a lot of people who go through their days unable to find food to eat because of their social and economic situations. I had committed on day one when we started that my goal would be to at least provide a means where the people can get a hot meal, and I am still working towards that goal,” he declared.
He acknowledged the lack of adequate finances by many in St Kitts and Nevis to effectively address their health problems, saying that his foundation is open for discussions with any partner or charitable group willing to offer assistance to alleviate or minimise the growing health difficulties and challenges faced by many.
“Health difficulties and challenges is not a sexy subject; it is not one that people want to talk about. Therefore, we within the foundation have to find ways and means of ensuring that it is addressed,” Herbert said.
He told SKNVibes Business that since its establishment, the foundation has and continues to place significant emphases on health issues, pointing out that requests are pouring in from many as they seek help to alleviate whatever health challenges they are faced with.
He noted that the foundation is open and willing to form part of any partnership that would help in aiding the Ministry of Health in its execution of responsibilities.
Herbert further noted that the humanitarian effort is a national one which, he reminded, stretches back to the day his foundation was established. He admitted that his foundation has donated significantly to many who have been affected by non-communicable diseases, noting that persons affected by cancer, diabetes and other diseases have received significant help from them.
He gave a further commitment to donate and assist in any way they see fit, stressing that ensuring that people remain healthy should be the priority of all.
“Ensuring that you have a healthy nation will guarantee you growth and development as it will also aid in boosting your economic stability, as people would be able to render services while earning economically so as to maintain themselves and family,” he said.
Further, Herbert threw out an appeal for the public to come forward and make contributions to the foundation, declaring that regardless of the amount it would help in providing the assistance and care needed by many.
He also stressed that everyone could help in shaping the society by first recognising that each of them has a responsibility to give to those in need.
