(Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, August 28, 2021) – Seventeen students presently studying in Cuba benefited from a major donation of essential food, care and hygiene supplies by the C.A.R.E. Foundation on Friday, August 27, 2021. Dr. Terrance Drew, Founder of the C.A.R.E. Foundation, Ms. Nerys Dockery, President of the C.A.R.E. Foundation, owner of Island Auto Supplies, Mr. Seymour Williams. Mr. Hollis Prentice, President of the Cuban Alumni Association, Ms. Nadine Natta, Treasurer of the Cuban Alumni Association and Ms. Monique Harry, a student studying in Cuba, gathered in a small Handing Over Ceremony held on the grounds of the NEMA Headquarters.
“Today we are here to celebrate the fruition of a small, light conversation that resulted in helping our students,” said Dr. Terrance Drew, Founder of the C.A.R.E. Foundation, to the students and parents gathered. “This conversation actually began in gym, where I was approached by Mr. Seymour Williams, owner of the gym about this idea that was near and dear to his heart. From this conversation, a partnership was built in which the C.A.R.E. Foundation made this initiative a major plank in its schedule of activities since our Foundation was launched on April 17, 2021,” Dr. Drew concluded.
Mr. Seymour Williams, who made a significant contribution of USD$2,000 towards this project, expressed his sincere thanks to the C.A.R.E. Foundation for coordinating the project and assisting in the drive for contributions. “I lived in Cuba for a few months some time ago when I went for surgery. I saw the difficulties that some students go through. I am really happy today to see that something has been done. It really warms my heart to see this project come through. I would like to say thanks to the CARE Foundation, because I had no idea how I would get it done,” stated Mr. Williams.
President of the Cuban Alumni Association, Mr. Hollis Prentice, accepted the supplies which were then distributed to the parents of the students for onward shipment to Cuba. “I would like to thank the C.A.R.E. Foundation … I am happy that today we were able to send theses supplies to our students studying in Cuba,” Mr. Prentice said.
Speaking on behalf of the Cuban students, soon-to-be medical doctor, Monique Harry expressed her deep appreciation for the help and support. “Things in Cuba are not the way it used to be so we are really, really grateful and appreciate, especially during this pandemic, the C.A.R.E. Foundation for these supplies. We are really happy that persons took the time out, despite the circumstances, to give us this special support,” she said.
The C.A.R.E. Foundation would like to thank all who contributed to making this ongoing project a success. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Christine Walwyn, Coordinator of the C.A.R.E. Student Initiative Committee as well as the C.A.R.E.
volunteers who enthusiastically assisted with the repackaging process. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to Mr. David and Brian Kawaja of the O.D. Brisbane for their donations of additional products towards this effort.
The C.A.R.E. Foundation intends to provide regular assistance to the Cuban students and will be opening a public drive for contributions towards assisting and supporting Kittitian and Nevisian students studying in Cuba over the coming months.