Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 14, 2018 (SKNIS): The 2nd Annual Ecclesiastical Affairs Outstanding Community Service Award Ceremony held on Thursday (December 13, 2018) recognized the important work of five faith-based institutions in St. Kitts in improving the lives of the less fortunate.
The event was held at Government House under the patronage of Governor General, His Excellency Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton. The awardees were the Antioch Baptist Church; Mothers’ Union of the Anglican St. Kitts Island Council; Operation Save Our Youth of the Basseterre Wesleyan Holiness Church; and Save Our Sons of the Unique Touch Ministries; as well as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Catholic Church.
All nominees were recommended by the St. Kitts Christian Council and the St. Kitts Evangelical Association.
Senior Minister and Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, the Honourable Vance Amory, said it was a pleasure for the ministry to recognize the work of the religious institutions in helping society’s indigent.
“The church is often referred to as the mother of social work. For many years, Christian congregations have reached out with quiet care for persons who are sick, economically poor, imprisoned, hungry, homeless, orphaned, elderly and widowed,” he stated. “… Tonight’s ceremony further highlights the role which you play, your dedication, and hard work in ensuring that our people’s needs are met.”
Senior Minister Amory added: “the government’s collaboration with faith-based organizations such as the Christian Council has the potential to further develop our people and shore [up] the protection for the most vulnerable, the indigent, the marginalized and the neglected.”
He mentioned that the ministry was looking forward to strengthening the collaborations with organizations of all faiths.
A similar ceremony will be held in Nevis on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
