Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 24, 2020 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs handed over food and gift packages to benefit the less fortunate in society as part of an initiative to spread goodwill and cheer during the Christmas Season.
The packages were handed over to officials within the Ministry of Social Development at a brief ceremony at Government Headquarters on Thursday, December 24, 2020. It was the decision of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs and staff to “forego our annual Christmas Luncheon and gift exchange and instead to use our resources to purchase food and toys for the needy in our community,” said Diana Francis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.
“We present this gift as a token of our appreciation and love to those who are in need at this time. Remember it is more blessed to give than to receive,” said Ms. Francis. “We thought that we would contribute and help those who are in need at this time and I implore us even in our communities where we live that we would look for those among us who are not as fortunate as we are and that we would share with them.”
Deputy Director of Community and Social Development, Ann Wigley, extended thanks on behalf of the department and recipients. She said that the initiative perfectly captured the spirit at this time of the year.
“I think it is a very good gesture and I can assure you that we will do our best to give the persons who are really in need. Maybe from this gesture, other persons can still give because there is Christmas, New Years and beyond,” said Mrs. Wigley.
Signs were placed throughout Government Headquarters seeking the assistance of staff from various departments to contribute to the food drive. Donations were received from various persons including those from the Human Resource Management Department and the Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives among others.-30-