January 15th, 2018 Kent House, Maraval – Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Haji Kazim Hosein indicated that yesterday’s event entitled ‘Sharing a Meal with the Homeless’ touched over 90 persons who reside on the streets of San Fernando and surrounding areas.
Prior to the event, Minister Hosein along with the Mayor of San Fernando His Worship Alderman Junia Regrello and representatives from the Ministry walked through the streets of San Fernando to extend a personal invitation to homeless persons in the city and surrounding areas.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government partnered with the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC), the San Fernando Centre for Displaced Persons (SFCDP), the San Fernando Volunteer Network (SFVN), members of the business community, corporate volunteers and NGO groups to host a ‘Day of Care’ for the homeless persons. During the event, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Senator the Hon. Haji Kazim Hosein, Attorney General and MP for San Fernando West the Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, and Minister of Social Development and Family Services the Hon. Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn alongside San Fernando Mayor Alderman Junia Regrello and Councillor for Springvale/Paradise Naigum Joseph, assisted volunteers of the NGO group ‘Revival of the Ummah’ with serving meals to the displaced persons.
Minister Haji Kazim Hosein assured members of the public that this provision will be a continuous one saying, “I have spoken with the Mayor of San Fernando and he has given me his word that this Centre will be used as an avenue for persons and groups to drop food, clothes and other basic necessities to help the homeless. At least twice for the week, the homeless can come and get food at the Centre and as awareness grows we expect this to become a day-to-day provision.”
Minister Hosein commended the spirit of volunteerism exuded by corporate volunteers, NGOs, religious organisations and members of the business communities and encouraged citizens to continue giving back saying, “I encourage persons to visit the Centre and drop of meals or even come and share a meal with the homeless because every effort counts and together we can make this initiative a continuous one that ensures that these displaced persons have a hot meal on a regular basis.” Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Hon. Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn also expressed her Ministry’s commitment to providing support for the homeless population, laying out a phased plan that will incorporate the provision of shelter, rehabilitation and skills training.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government expresses heartfelt thanks to our volunteers from the San Fernando City Corporation, the San Fernando Volunteer Network, the Revival of the Ummah (ROU), the ASH-NAD Foundation, Civilian Conservation Corps, McClean Pro Hair Cutting System, Anayah’s Mediterranean Grill, Hideout Signs, SM Jaleel, Kiss Baking Company, Unilever, Nandlal’s & Sons, Detour Stores, John Corp, Millennium Printers, Mr. Clyde Mohammed, Lions Club of San Fernando and the Rotary Club of San Fernando.
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