These past couple weeks I have spent most of my time absorbing the generosity and hospitality reflective of Kittitian culture, while gaining understanding of the scope of the work that the Basic Needs Trust Fund does here in St. Kitts and in Nevis. It is truly an organization for the people, involving the people. They take the time to go into communities to hear from the members themselves what the issues and needs are, and as Project Manager, Mr. Osbert DeSuza, says, "At BNTF we get work done, boy!" This is certainly an accurate statement. Please feel free to check out for yourselves the slide show of the completed BNTF projects posted on the left.
One of the additional perks to working for BNTF under the Ministry of Social Services is being invited to several summit meetings, workshops, and various ceremonies. In the past week I went to the opening ceremony of the National Summit of Health where I met the Hon. Marcella Liburd, Minister of Health (in the photo: speaking at the podium) who spoke on the issue of non-communicable diseases. I also had the opportunity to visit a workshop consisting of members from social sectors and various ministries discussing the topic of gender violence/ domestic violence; an area of prevalence here in St. Kitts.
When I'm not working, it comes as no surprise to those who know me, that I find myself at the local basketball courts playing some pick up with anyone and everyone. In fact, not 5 hours after I got off the plane when I first arrived did I find myself signed up for a women's league, and subsequently am now also on a co-ed team....Now this is the life. Work in the day, basketball in the evening, and hit up the beaches on the weekend. I could get used to this!
Last Sunday I also experienced a cricket match for the first time with my boss and his wife. I have to admit, it is not my favourite sport, and unfortunately the West Indies were not doing well against Pakistan on this particular day, but I had a great time and found myself thoroughly entertained by the crowd and the comedic umpire, of all people!
Those have been a few of the highlights since I've been here. Look out for more to come!
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