Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett. (FP)
The St. James North Constituency Council is in good hands, says Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett.
Speaking at the Council’s awards ceremony and dinner last weekend at the Beach House Restaurant, Holetown, St. James, Mr. Blackett told those gathered that the committee was “extremely proactive” and constantly strived to keep abreast of and respond to the needs of the constituency.
“The constituency of St James North itself is of tremendous significance to our society. It is constantly under the direct gaze of many tourists who grace our shores and spread news by word of mouth of our qualities and our character. This constituency is one possessing remarkable potential for growth, innovation and development in both social an economic terms, much of which is still untapped,” he stated.
The Social Care Minister congratulated the 16 awardees for their “indelible contribution” to the constituency, as they often went beyond the call of duty, and in some cases, changed the lives of others as a result of their actions.
“Changes have been effected in such areas as Education and Training; Sporting; Culture, including the Performing Arts, the Fine Arts and Entertainment; Community Work and Social Service Initiatives.”
“Improvements have been seen in the lives of the poor, the vulnerable and the differently able; in Hospitality and Tourism; in the Fishing Industry and the wider Agricultural Pursuits; in Medicine; in Religion and in Business,” he noted.
However, while he applauded their efforts, Mr. Blackett urged the members of the constituency not to rest on their laurels but to continue to strive for diligence in their communities.
The Minister also acknowledged and congratulated Chairman Angelina Hope-Jemmott for her leadership and execution of the council’s various projects since coming into office in May of 2016.
One such project, he highlighted, was training in hair braiding and pastry making for unemployed women, and he noted that some of the participants have chosen to further advance their skills or start their own small businesses within the constituency following their training.