By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis-Some ninety-three seniors, immaculately attired in their yellow tops, boarded the MV Sea Hustler at about 8.30 am on the morning of Tuesday 18th October.
They were en route to St.Kitts where they were eagerly anticipating an island tour and general day of fun and fellowship, on the sister island.
Prior to boarding the boat, all of the necessary preliminary checks were coordinated by Coordinator of the Seniors’ Division, Mrs. Garcia Hendrickson and her staff.
They were then warmly greeted by Asst. Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Miss D. Michelle Liburd, in the absence of Minister, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams.
She noted that the seniors would have made their significant contribution to the welfare of the community and implored them to have fun as they socialized and enjoyed their tour in St.Kitts.
On their arrival in St.Kitts, the seniors were warmly met and welcomed at the pier in Basseterre by Seniors Coordinator on St. Kitts, Ms. Anne Wigley and her staff.
They were then transported via two huge buses on an island tour, which saw them driving through various villages and towns of St.Kitts which included, Basseterre; Cayon; Sandy Point; Old Road and more.
One of the major stops, for the seniors was at the Grange Senior Citizens home, where they were taken on an exclusive tour of the facility and met with and socialized with some of the residents there.
Another important feature of the trip, was the fact that they were met at the GRANGE by the Hon. Senator Wendy Phipps, Minister responsible for Community Services on St.Kitts. She welcomed the seniors to St.Kitts and pointed to the fact that there were several senior citizens homes on both islands of the Federation, which were mostly privately run and indicated that the government is committed to ensuring that their golden years are as comfortable as possible.
She also stated that she was impressed with the number of seniors who had made the trip and promised that there will be a fair sized contingent present at the upcoming seniors’ games in Nevis, slated for Thursday 27th October.
She also noted that there were some sixteen centenarians within the federation and extended condolences to the family of one who was recently deceased.
She wished the seniors well for the remainder of their trip.
Other mini stops included pauses at the Pogson Hospital in Sandy Point and the Mary Charles hospital in Molineux and a drive through of the much improved Black Rocks facility.
The seniors were then treated to a sumptuous lunch which they all thoroughly enjoyed and then they were transported back to the pier in Basseterre where they boarded the MV Sea Hustler’s 3 pm trip, back to Nevis.