By LISA S. KING

Freeport News Reporter

lisa@nasguard.com

In memory of former Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) Chairman Edward St. George, employees of the GBPA displayed the spirit of giving on Wednesday when they presented the Eight Mile Rock Urban Renewal Project with Christmas gifts for the children of that area.

Remembering Mr. St. George as a marvellous human being who was known for his generous nature, coordinator of the GBPA toy drive, Levette Smith, said the donations were in keeping with his many acts of kindness to the people of Grand Bahama. She said, hopefully, the toy drive will continue as an annual event in memory of him.

Ms. Smith. who is a member of the DevCo legal staff, said the idea came about in early November and was born out of the existing needs within the community where many families remain displaced due to the recent hurricanes.

She said because a lot of them are consumed with meeting basic needs to sustain the family, they really did not see how they were going to ensure that their kids had a merry Christmas, particularly because some have been laid off from one of the major resorts on the island.

"And I thought that granted they wanted their kids to have a good Christmas, they may not be able to purchase toys for them, and I believe that this would be a good opportunity for the employees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority to give something back to our community," Ms. Smith said. "As you know our beloved Mr. St. George has passed away and given his generous nature and that of his family, this is in keeping with his spirit and we want to continue this and hopefully make this an annual thing in memory of him."

She said such acts of kindness are a part of his legacy because he was such a marvellous person who had dedicated his life to helping others.

"Christmas is all about giving — giving of our time and energy and above all, giving back something that God has given unto us," she said.

Ms. Smith said the employees were given the option of donating the toys or donating the funds and they were able to purchase a considerable amount of toys with the funds collected

"I have gotten a lot of help from the members within the Port Authority group of companies," she said. "They contributed very happily towards the toy drive, and I am very pleased and just overwhelmed with the turnout and how people have been so giving during the process."

Project coordinator of the EMR Urban Renewal Project Inspector Judith Vellacott said members of her team were very pleased and extended their gratitude to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for its generous donation of the Christmas gifts for the children of the Eight Mile Rock constituency.

She said they will be hosting a party today beginning at 12noon to 2p.m. at the EMR Urban Renewal Project office in the Harbour West Shopping Centre for all children within the area between ages 4 and 12.

"They have all gone through some rough times as a result of the hurricanes and so through the Urban Renewal Project and the Grand Bahama Port Authority coming together in this manner, it will definitely bring some cheer and joy to their Christmas," Inspector Vellacott said.

"So we are inviting all the children from the Eight Mile Rock constituency to come on down, have some cake, have some drinks and enjoy some time with the police. We are so happy to be the channel in which the Port Authority uses to get items out to the community like this."

Inspector Vellacott said the Port Authority has supported the Urban Renewal Project in other areas such as Pineridge and Marco City; however, it is the first time for Eight Mile Rock.

CAPTION

CARING HEARTS — The employees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) presented the Eight Mile Rock Urban Renewal Project with Christmas gifts for children within that area on Wednesday. They hope to make the toy drive an annual event in memory of Mr. St. George. Members of the GBPA group of companies pictured from left to right are: Gloverbell Anderson, Shamara Forbes, Joe Hamilton, Inspector Judith Vellacott, Levette Smith, Joselee Hepburn, Sarah Grant, Alton Ferguson and GBPA President Willie Moss.

(Staff photo by Lisa King)