Despite the inclement weather on Sunday, mothers in the Saint Peter constituency were treated to what can be considered a timely show of appreciation, particularly to those most vulnerable.
Member of Parliament for the area Hon. Asot Michael assembled and distributed some EC$80,000 in hampers, topped off with a heartfelt greeting card.
But, although the hampers were assembled by a statesman, the distribution process “had no colour”.
“At this time, we are only concerned about the needs and comfort of the elderly, and most vulnerable across the constituency. We have no interest in their political affiliation,” Michael said.
Sunday’s effort was the fourth such distribution which targeted almost 500 households.
“We need our people to know that we are still here with them and we understand that most of them are out of work and need our support now more than ever,” he said.
Each package included cornbeef, viana sausages, sardines, tuna fish, salmon, pasta, macaroni, sugar, assorted juices, milk, flour, rice, cornmeal, cooking oil, assorted peas, noodles, crackers, and a 5lb box of leg quarter chicken. A 5-liter bottle of water was also given with each package.
“All of what we have distributed was purchased locally. We did not go outside of our suppliers to import any food items, because doing so would take away from the economic stimulation and employment that Antigua and Barbuda needs right now,” Michael said.
He did, however, note that face masks and hand sanitizers, had to be imported due to their non-availability locally.
Some 10,000 facemasks and 30,000 hand sanitizers were imported and allocated for free distribution to households in his constituency and others, as well as essential service workers.
The MP emphasized that while times are tough it is still important for Antiguans and Barbudans to be each other’s keeper – a sentiment he echoed while paying tribute to one of the island’s newest centenarians Ms. Goldine Reifer of Parham Town.
He said individuals from households where persons are still employed should not look to take aid items that would better benefit those most in need.
“These food packages are for the elderly in the constituency and the most vulnerable and needy. They are not for persons that are currently working.
“This is not Christmas. These packages are targeted and we need to understand how this works. It is not for persons who have the means and currently have an income,” the MP said while personally distributing the hampers in entire constituency of Saint Peter on Sunday.
Michael has maintained a tradition of supporting Antiguans and Barbadians across the spectrum. Since the nation-wide lockdown, the Michael family has reportedly injected over EC$250,000 in aid supplies for the most vulnerable.
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Good gesture, but where is the Social distance, especially for the older people
Where was Gaston’s hampers? I’m moving to st Peter 🙄
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