Five Organisations Receive ‘Cash Back’ Cheques
As part of the Cash Back for Communities initiative, Premier Michael Dunkley presented cheques to five local charity and community organisations today [Nov 10], with the Lorraine Rest Home, St. George’s Cricket Club, Chain Reaction, Dare2B, a and Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence home all receiving cheques.
The Cash Back for Communities programme is possible through the Confiscated Assets or proceeds of crime initiative, where seized funds are given back to worthy organisations who are doing good work in the community.
Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said, “The beginnings of success in our economic recovery have not addressed every need in our community. Confidence is growing in our country and slowly, but surely, genuine growth is returning to Bermuda.
“While we work every day to improve the lives of all Bermudians there remain some who need our help more than others. As we grow this economy we are determined to forget no-one and to provide, where we can, for the most vulnerable in our community.
“As often as we can, this Government will honour its commitment to provide funds seized as a result of disrupted criminal activity back to the community for greater purposes.
“Today I am joined by representatives of five organisations who have tremendous track records of success with their target populations.
- “Lorraine Rest Home is a vibrant facility providing quality care to our senior citizens.
- “St. George’s Cricket Club is the core of sporting and social life of the east end and through it’s programmes enriches young lives with a path to success.
- “Chain Reaction is a program focused on inspiring and equipping students and teachers to prevent bullying and violence, all while cultivating a culture of kindness in schools and local communities through profound and thought-provoking assemblies.
- “Community Driven Development, now Dare2B, was established in 2013 with the aim of helping those without a job, or who are underemployed, to become self-sufficient. The Programme’s vision is that in collaboration with the Bermuda Government and other local charities, people will be empowered to realize their economic potential through personal transformation, education, soft skills development and to create opportunities for employment and financial independence.
- “Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence has grown from humble origins to become a vital part of the senior care framework and continues to provide comfort to its residents who deserve nothing less in their golden years.
“In each of these cases, these funds provided today will support the work of community based organisations who are committed to positively impacting the lives of those they serve. Their strength is our strength and in helping them we help ourselves.
“I am pleased to make these presentations and to join the parents, residents and families impacted by your work in thanking you for your sacrifice and dedication,” the Premier concluded.
Take note, Pee eL Pee.
Toodles!
Didn’t the Plp put that program in place..
No, The original act did not specify where the funds would be used. It was amended by the OBA to specifically benefit community organizations.
BOOOOOM! ‘Just sayin’….i suggest applying cold water to that burn!
toodles!
I also “tip my cap” to the One Bermuda Alliance Govnt. for the continuation of the “Cash Back” program of helping them that are helping others.
Gotta give props!
I’m sure that it’s a very tough choice deciding who’s going to get this windfall but there can be no doubt that we’re talking about the proceeds from drug related crime .
Why not ‘complete the circle’ as such and see that cash strapped FOCUS gets in on the act ?
This is very good news to see this funding flow through our Government to community service organisations.
Is there an application process and a committee in Government that decides who gets what? There are many worthy charities in Bermuda that could benefit from this type of funding. Are these unrestricted gifts or are they for specific programmes and services? Is there an evaluation process as to what impact this funding creates?
I appreciate that the donation amounts are identified as an open and transparent process will help us further understand how this all works.
Curious. You took the words out of my mouth. A pati request is in order.
Of course the PLP/BIU started this but the only difference was they were the Charity.
Doing a good job there OBA but don’t think you will be able to get the economy large enough to support the $1.1billion dollar budget needed for this huge Government.We are only 60,000 people.
I hope FOCUS (as mentioned above) and the Center are next on the list.Both perform invaluable services and will be sorely missed if they have to close
I never supported govt taking public funds and giving out to charities. I have no issue with PPP with charities like TBC and LCCA..
All the rest in my opinion is shady business…
The Administration in power gets to choose their pet project to donate to…
Maybe if you read a little further; this would not be considered “shady business”.
In related stories above, you will note that this had already taken place on September 15th with five different charities; that time $90,000.00 being presented.
Also in that article, it was stated that the commitment made by government was solidified with the Proceeds of Crime legislation ACT which ensures the use of the confiscated founds to be used specifically for these causes.Up to now from the two presentations $150,000.00 has been awarded to-
Bermuda Shansou Association – $15,000
Bermuda Netball Association – $15,000
Beyond Rugby – $20,000
Hamilton Parish Football Club – $20,000
Youth Net – $20,000
Lorraine Rest Home ($7,300)
St George’s Cricket Club ($25,000)
Chain Reaction ($10,950)
Dare2Be ($18,250)
Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence ($7,300)
And yet you find this “shady business”? If the current government gave EVERY Bermudian a bar of gold; you would be the one complaining about how heavy it was.
Which of the above ten recipients would you consider “their pet project to donate to”? Well lets here the Conspiracy Theories.
SMH
It is shady business because I don’t accept that public funds, should be used in this manner. Charities mean your organization is NOT publicly funded. But I am sure this makes perfect business sense to right wingers who support public funds funding private ventures.
The government is saying they don’t have funds to keep public youth centers fully funded.
Out of interest, how did you feel about $12m of taxpayer money being used to fund cricket?
Jesums H. Christmas Rhonda. you are a real binford. its not like they taking our taxes and giving it to the charities. CONFISCATED FUNDS AND ASSESTS.
FRICKIN READ!
smh
toodles!