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Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve??Blackett presenting a council member with his instruments at the reinstallation ceremony for the second phase of Constituency Councils. (C.Pitt/BGIS)??

Newly appointed and reinstated members of the second phase of Constituency Councils were lauded by Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett, for committing themselves to the service of their fellow men.

This came at an installation ceremony for Councilors which was held at Almond Bay in Hastings, Christ Church, last Saturday.

The Minister noted that the Councils were blended with "new and not-so-new; young and not-so-young", males and females, as well as persons who possessed various talents and abilities.?? He explained that this diversity was "merely a microcosm of the diversity that exists in real life and should serve to give birth to new and practical ways of addressing many of our social problems".

Urging the Councilors to continue applying themselves diligently to their charges, Minister Blackett cautioned them not to anticipate a reward.

"If it is your hope that at the end of the day you will be patted on the back by your detractors for the good that you have done, then I submit that this line of work might not be the best thing for you. However, if you can work with the full knowledge that…someone will benefit from your efforts…then maybe you will have a long and rewarding sojourn in the realm of community work," the Minister advised.

He further directed the Council members that there should be "partnership, commitment and humility" in their leadership skills and reminded them that "it is not about seeking glory and it is not self-serving".??

Pointing out that while the Councils should be "creative, inventive and responsive to the needs of people", Minister Blackett implored the Councils to submit their financial and monthly reports to the Department of Constituency Empowerment in a timely manner, stressing that the Financial Rules and Regulations which govern the programme needed to be followed.

The Councils to which members were installed were: St. John, St. Lucy, St. James South, St. George North, St. Philip North, St. Philip West, Christ Church West Central, Christ Church East Central, Christ Church East, St. Michael South East, St. Michael South and the City of Bridgetown.

sharifa.medford@barbados.gov.bb

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