Daily Bread arrives in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Thanks to Donor Generosity
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June 5, 2023“Give thanks,” is an expression often heard in the Caribbean. The phrase is used to express appreciation not only to a person who may be offering something, but also as an acknowledgment of “the Almighty.” Thanks is given to a person and to God at one and the same time. The word “respect” is often heard in the same conversation as a means of conveying esteem for another.
Once again, the staff and all associated with the Garifuna Bakery in Sandy Bay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, give respectful thanks to the Redemptorist Mission Foundation and to Our Most Holy Redeemer for another great gift. In early February, a grant was approved by then Provincial Superior, Father Paul J. Borowski, C.Ss.R., for the purchase of a brand-new panel van. The van is a welcome addition to what was a worn down “fleet” of two vehicles used for bread deliveries.
Early each morning, and again in the evening, two drivers leave the bakery in Sandy Bay and take to the long and winding roads of the vicinity. They travel to communities north and south of the bakery. One driver, who now has custody of the new van, travels all the way to the northern tip of the island to the community of Fancy. He stops through the village of Sandy Bay and various communities on the way to Fancy – selling as he goes up and comes back. The other driver reaches to Georgetown and beyond, carrying bread to communities south of the bakery.
Their ministry is an important one to the work of the bakery and to those who benefit from their presence on the road. Daily bread is available near and far to people living away from mainstream markets. The accessibility of bread to outlying areas is an important component to the mission of the bakery. Among others, it reaches families with schoolchildren. Early in the morning, as they prepare for journey to school – often on foot – children are nourished as they begin their day.
The new vehicle is a Godsend to the work at hand, as it is much more reliable than previous vans, all of which have been second, maybe third, hand. It is also more efficient with gas mileage, helping both the budget and environment. Furthermore, it is more recognizable now with a newly-placed artistic decal on the sides that advertise the bakery with the words: Blessing Communities since 1993. The Province logo is on the back of the van acknowledging funding from our generous donors. All involved, give thanks. Huge respect to all who made it happen!
