Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville applauded the efforts of the Committee for the Advancement of People (CAP) last Saturday.
CAP is a non-profit organization formed in response to the need to encourage social integration, and cultural awareness, and community wellbeing.
The committee, headed by former tourism executive Carmeta Miller and Taronya L. Wildgoose, has the full support of the Department of Social Services and the Ministry for Grand Bahama.
On Saturday, CAP joined with the Hunter’s community in sponsoring the First Annual Multicultural Heritage Festival in the settlement at the Young Men’s Training Association field (YMTA) in Hunters, when seven persons were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of that community.
Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville was the featured speaker and pointed out that just a few weeks ago, the committee held a major event in Hawksbill where patriots of that community were also honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of their community and Grand Bahama as a whole.
“This administration’s vision is one of a thriving country where all citizens are economically empowered to provide for themselves and their families and have equal opportunities to access services that will enhance the basic quality of life for all.
“We realize that together everyone achieves more and therefore, we are thankful for civic and community organizations who are assisting us to accomplish our goals,” Dr. Darville stated.
Acknowledging the executives and members of CAP, the minister said they have a commitment to building the community of Hunters and its surrounding communities as demonstrated by the staging of the festival.
“I admonish you to relentlessly continue the pursuit of your purpose, which is to respond to the great need existing in Grand Bahama Island but more specifically the Hunters community.
“Years ago, I have come to the powerful realization that in order for us to flourish as a people, we must meet the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters individually, using our strength to empower one another’s weaknesses,” he stated.
Continuing, he said that being a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization, doubtlessly, CAP was erected on the firm foundation of genuine love, and concern for our residents.
“The committee’s primary interests are the physical, social, spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing of community members.
“I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to Ms. Carmeta Miller, the president of CAP and Ms. Taronya Wildgoose, the event coordinator for their zeal, diligence and hard work. I am pleased with your coordination of today’s festival, which made it possible for all of us to gather in the name of a worthy cause,” he stated.
He then went on to extend much deserved accolades to the seven honourees, all of whom have played a pivotal role in the uplifting of the Hunters community over the years.
Heading the list of honourees were Wheatley and Mary Grant, who have been married for the past 55 years and are the parents of six children. Both are deeply involved in the Catholic Church at St. Vincent De Paul in Hunters, and have played a key role in the development of the Young Men’s Training Association (YMTA) in that community.
Mr. Grant is the long time president of the association which now boasts an administrative and meetings complex, large playing field for softball, baseball, football, soccer and more, a basketball court and a kid’s playground. The couple also owns WG&S Construction Company.
Other honourees included Monica Edgecombe, Helen Lewis, Francis “Bill” Grant, Anna Lewis and Virgil Hunt, all long-time residents of Hunters and whose families continue vital roles in the further development of their community.
