Welcome Stamp plus

The Barbados Welcome Stamp is delivering more than much needed foreign exchange to the island.

According to president of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) Kemar Saffrey, his organisation has been receiving a high number of queries, via phone and email, from people who have relocated here under the programme, offering to volunteer their services to the organisation which takes care of the homeless.

“I have lost count of the calls, and I perceive the number will grow. They have passed all the requirements of the COVID-19 protocols, they have their Police Certificate of Character in some instances, and they want to know how they can assist the organisation to see where they can give their time,” he said.

“Some of them have offered to bring their families, some want to bring their children so they can assist.”

Saffrey said it was a boost not only for his charity but the island.

“This is a good thing for Barbados. They are not just here for sun, sand and sea. People here under the Welcome Stamp say they have settled here and are willing to assist where possible by giving back,” he said.

Saffrey added that the additional help would be welcomed at the BAEH’s Spry Street shelter which was set up just a year ago.

“Most of the persons who have expressed interest are well qualified to offer their services. Some have worked in shelters before or worked closely with the homeless. This expertise will help us to improve and strengthen our organisation,” he said.

“So we are going to enrol them and see how they can help.”

Saffrey noted that locals have been expressing equally strong interest in volunteering their services to the BAEH.

He believes the two groups can work well together.

“We have been getting a lot of locals, I must say. Even at this time, we are getting a lot of interest. Students are still coming forward, so local support is in no way affected and it is in no way a competition,” Saffrey said.

“We are happy for all the support and it is pleasing to see that the Welcome Stamp is yielding much fruit, in the sense that persons from the programme are willing to volunteer and lend a helping hand to our country,” the BAEH head added.