Clarkson Foundation celebrates 12 years of service, rewards community stalwarts

The Clarkson Foundation Inc. marked a significant milestone, celebrating 12 years of dedicated philanthropy with an award ceremony and cocktail reception at Mahogany Ridge on Sunday night. The event served as a platform to honour the individuals and organisations instrumental in advancing the foundation’s mission of supporting vulnerable residents in the St James North constituency.

Chairman of the organisation, Beverly Smith-Hinkson, expressed deep gratitude to the charity’s extensive network of supporters. “Although we gathered here have walked parallel paths—one political and the other charitable—we have walked the journey together. One hand clapping the other, working towards a common goal,” she said.

Smith-Hinkson highlighted the foundation’s diverse initiatives, crediting the collaboration with patron, Member of Parliament Edmund Hinkson, for their success.

“The foundation wishes to thank our patron, the Honourable Edmund Hinkson, for working with us to identify worldwide projects in keeping with the foundation’s mandate. That has allowed us to successfully undertake several programs in support of the residents of St James North—programs in the agricultural field, life and work skills, parenting skills, along with providing funds for medical and educational needs, school clothes, and food vouchers for over 400 families annually.”

The foundation’s current focus on housing for the disabled and senior citizens was also highlighted.

”During this year, our focus is on housing for the disabled and senior citizens of the community; to date, we have repaired six houses,” Smith-Hinkson revealed. She concluded her address by acknowledging the award recipients, “We could not have done this work without the persons being awarded here today. Whether you donated money or time, whether you were the feet on the ground or working behind the scenes in support, regardless of which path was chosen, we thank you.”

Hinkson, in his remarks, expressed profound appreciation for the support he received throughout his career, particularly in his political endeavors. “I thank you for canvassing with me, for giving me the support, for speaking on platforms, for helping count votes late at night and early into the morning,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to the community. “I always had the philosophy that those who can help, must help those who are more vulnerable,” Hinkson stated.

“St James North lends itself to that kind of fulfillment of that philosophy. You get the businesspeople, the companies, the entities who have an interest in the constituency, a stakeholdership in the constituency to help as well.”

Reginald Farley, Chairman of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), who was among the award recipients, underscored the importance of community involvement in political success. “A political party is only as good as the people that it is able to attract, not only as its leadership but in the rank and file and throughout its ranks,” Farley noted.

He praised MP Hinkson’s dedication and resilience. “He is tenacious, he is determined, and those qualities have stood him well, and by extension they have stood the BLP well,” Farley said. “He therefore epitomises what the BLP cherishes, people of confidence, people of capability, people with heart and people who recognise that it is service above self.”

Fay Lucas, a director of the Clarkson Foundation, shared her admiration for Hinkson’s vision and impact. “I endorsed your plans and visions, and each year was happier to see the many smiles and gratification of the persons who benefited tremendously from the programs executed to improve and empower our constituents through your foundation, the Clarkson Foundation. One day the people of this constituency will realise what an impact your representation made on their lives and this evening is a testament to your caring manner,” Lucas concluded.

(STT)