As the season of goodwill, peace caring and sharing continues throughout the world, a member of the International Cultural Committee has taken the opportunity to make monetary contributions to two local schools and a toy project belonging to the Minister of Health.

International Cultural Representative for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Cynthia Blackman presented cheques to the Boca Secondary School, Holy Innocence Anglican School and Senator Ann David-Antoine at a small presentation ceremony held last week Friday at the Grenada Development Bank (GDB).

A total of US$2500.00 was distributed among the three parties with US$1000.00 going to Boca Secondary, US$1000.00 to Holy Innocence Anglican School and US$500.00 toward the minister's toy project.

Blackman said the funds were raised at the Committee's annual cultural event that was held in October in the Bahamas where they were able to sell a number of items and raise funds for different countries.

She pointed out that it is a requirement that the Committee make a donation to a local charity from the monies raised.

According to Blackman, she decided to make a contribution to her "baby" school the Holy Innocence School and Boca due to a Grenadian citizen, Dessa Smith who is a former student of that school who usually supports her ventures.

The contribution made toward the minister’s toy project was intended to bring joy to children during the Christmas season.

Sen. Antoine expressed her gratitude for the money received and stated that it is little things like this that makes big things happen.

She recalled meeting the group in the Bahamas while on a visit there two years ago and said that she never thought that the relationship would have grown to this, adding that the relationship has already borne many fruits.

The Bahamas group has also donated to the Hospital Development Fund.

Both recipients for the schools were equally happy with their contribution.

Principal of the Holy Innocence school, Egbert La Geer gave assurances that the money will be used wisely and made mention of a project that they just started to raise funds to purchase a photo-copying machine for the school.

The money, he said will go toward that project.

Senior teacher at Boca Secondary, Phillip Thomas, also assured the Committee that the contribution will be well spent noting that the school still has a number of refurbishments to undergo.

He suggested in a joke that Blackman should stay longer in the Bahamas to make more donations to Grenada.

Blackman told the gathering that this could be her last year on the Committee that is made up of 57 Nations in the Bahamas.

The Committee stages an annual International Cultural weekend where Committee members get to showcase their country’s food and craft among other things.

Blackman is currently on vacation in her homeland with her husband, Ronald Blackman and their daughter Rachel Blackman who are also members of the Committee.