Sri Lankan Association’s Community Service

[Written by Dale Butler]

The rain did not deter the Sri Lankan Association of Bermuda from undertaking community service on Sunday, October 20th, promptly at 9.00am at the Government-owned Sylvia Richardson Care Facility, located at 4 Old Military Road, St. George. Staff members include:

• Steven Douglas [Maintenance]
• Thomas Chapman [Environment Coordinator]
• Ereka Gift [Dietary Services Supervisor] and
• Tracey Moore [Activities Coordinator] were ready to advise, direct, and assist the Association volunteers where necessary.

The facility was opened January 28, 2007, when I was a Minister in the Government. But I had a greater attachment to the buildings as a principal of 14 years there, prior to its conversion, as a facility that “provides residential, nursing, and day-care to seniors” for 43 residents. I was also connected, having captured Ms. Richardson’s life story on video in 1989, which enabled me to write a brief summary, framed at the entrance. The icing on the cake was when my uncle received first-class treatment there for 2 years.

In 2023, the Association did community service at Fort Victoria, St. George. Once all the protocols were cleared at the Care Facility, President Sudath Ariyawansa and Secretary Nirosha Fernando received support from Association members, John Barritt & Sons Ltd. [beverages], and a few other businesses regarding equipment.

Within minutes of the equipment arriving, facility staff, Thomas Chapman and Steven Douglas, gave the volunteers the roadmap to clearing the grounds, and they jumped at it. By 1 p.m., an area with big trees was cleared, and the lawns in the middle of the property were manicured. The 40-plus participants then enjoyed food and beverages and were happy to give back to Bermuda.

It is interesting to note that on October 11th at the “Ending Homelessness Together” conference, Justice Juan P. Wolffe, Puisne Judge, gave participants insight into “Umuganda,” which is the last Saturday of each month in Rwanda and often includes “activities that promote infrastructure development and environmental protection.”

Bermuda is lucky to have schools, businesses, clubs, and other organizations step up and do community service. The Sri Lankan Association has now added its name to the list once again, and only the Government can build on this community spirit with “Gombeyganda,” Bermuda adopting a regular scheme like Rwanda, which has numerous benefits.

With thank-yous from the residents, the work task force left in good spirits, happy that they gave back to Bermuda. In closing, let me thank the Department of Parks for the excellent work they do regularly all over the island. The area was not neglected by them, but the recent rain downfalls have slowed everyone down.

Dale Butler is the Professor of Bermuda Music and does music, dance, book and restaurant reviews. His two current research projects are The Mu-en Chorale and Clayhouse Inn. He can be reached at 595-9841 or daledbutler@gmail.com.

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