About two months ago, I wrote on the need for our people to develop a greater spirit of community service because of its critical role in shaping the direction of our country and its importance in imbuing the values of patriotism and civic responsibility. I went further by highlighting a few individuals who I believe personify such service to the Nevisian community. Thereafter, I received many calls and comments to the effect that the article was so nice and therefore, I must do it twice!
Surely, I am grateful for this call because it tells me that the message of community service is resonating with our people. Moreover, it gives me an added opportunity to highlight other individuals in our community, who for years have given of their time and selflessly contributed to building this country.
With those few words, I therefore state that when I think about giving back to the community, I think about “mi big fren” Mrs. Lorette Brand-Willet – The vivacious Manager of Nevis Bakery right there in Happy Hill Drive! Mrs. Brand-Willet has reached into her pocket and given significantly to so many events on Nevis; ranging from Culturama competitions, football clinics for our youth and tournaments organized by the Nevis Cricket Association. In her Methodist Church, she has been like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water, as she has given of her time and energy as the Director of the Youth Choir, the church pianist, and so many other church activities which are simply too numerous to mention.
For my part, however, there is one reason why I would never forget Mrs. Brand-Willett. When I was involved with the Nevis Literary and Debating Society in 2007 and we organized a bake sale to raise funds, our goods unexpectedly ran out. I was immediately troubled, however, I was able to visit Mrs. Brand and explain our situation, despite having never conversed with her in my life prior to that moment. The end result was that she baked some muffins and doughnuts in short order, all costing us the grand sum of zero dollars and zero cents! It is because of such random acts of kindness why I have to pen yet another piece on the spirit of community service and acknowledge the contribution of “mi big fren” Mrs. Lorette Brand-Willet!
As I elaborate once more on community service, I must also mention the name of Sylvester Pemberton. I shall forever remember when I went to the St. Thomas’ Primary School Graduation Ceremony in 2010 and 4 awards, amounting to $400, were given, courtesy of Sylvester, to the top students graduating from this institution. I was so touched by this gesture because most people know that Sylvester works at the Four Seasons Resort and was laid off when the hotel closed in 2008 for over 2 years due to Hurricane Omar. To my understanding, Sylvester has been giving this amount to the students for years; and hurricane or no hurricane, Four Seasons or no Four Seasons, Sylvester was intent on maintaining his contribution to his alma mater and community! As such, I must sing the praises of our very own Mayor in St. Thomas’ Parish, “His Excellency” Sylvester Pemberton!
It is this same spirit of community service why I must also recognize Mr. Keith “Dis an Dat” Scarborough. His contribution to Nevisian culture generally and specifically to the development of the calypso art form has been nothing short of admirable. In addition, he has consistently given of his time and energy to the development of cricket on Nevis, both as a selector and President of the Nevis Cricket Association. Consequently, I must render a little kaiso and “Salute the contribution of this patriotic fellow, who has served as a Nevisian Ambassador and a calypso maestro - Mr. Keith “The King” “Dis an Dat” Scarborough!”
I cannot end this second piece on community service and fail to mention the name of Mr. Lester Blackett, for I would not be able to sleep well tonight. I believe when we look at how far athletics in Nevis has progressed over the years, we ought to sing the praises of Mr. Blackett who has toiled tirelessly as President of the Nevis Amateur Athletic Association to elevate track & field in our country. At just about every sports meet, he is there working on the scene and behind the scene to ensure that our athletes are provided with all the essentials needed to deliver a grand performance!
Certainly, we should all be grateful for the contribution of these individuals whose sweat and tears throughout the years have helped to mould the Nevis which we have come to know and love. By dint of their dedication, they are the quintessential Nevisians and we must encourage our youth to mirror their service to community.
Parents must first take the lead from within the home and teach their children that they are not too young to begin giving back to their community. Let them know that they can begin service in their teenage years and they do not have to wait until they are 30 or 40. They can assist with clean up campaigns in their respective villages or get together and organize a sports or community group, similar to the St. John’s Community Improvement Club (SJCIC) or even join H.O.P.E Nevis Inc. to impact the lives of other youth.
I must also sound the trumpet once more for the NIA to make it a prerequisite for our students to give a set period of community service during the school year. This may include a “Reading Buddies Program” whereby older students partner with the public library to teach younger students how to read or a “Drop In Service”, whereby students are assigned to elderly within the community to assist with chores and errands.
President Obama, who himself spent years as a community activist and organizer prior to his entry into political life, has championed the cause of community service in American schools since attaining office in 2008. Similarly, young Nevisians must be encouraged to give back to their communities and in so doing, be the change that they wish to see in Nevis!
Finally, I must commend the NIA for its recent drive to recast the society in the image of those Nevisians who have contributed significantly to the development of their communities. I believe that having their names indelibly etched on public edifices which reflect their fields of contribution is a great way of recognizing their involvement in society. Hopefully, it would encourage the rest of us to mimic these noble Nevisians, as we rise above our individual concerns and ask not what our community can do for us but what we can do for our community!
