An official of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has praised the Methodist Church, for engaging the country’s future leaders in activities that will help in the overall economic development of the Federation. 

Head of Business Support Unit at the Development Bank, Mr Shavon Douglas, said that he was impressed by the craft items the campers had made. 

“I see the development of a number of small crafts and artefacts; it is very impressive looking at the group that has made them and so I want to congratulate you,” said Mr Douglas. “I also want to commend the church leaders pertaining to this bold initiative and also to say to you that it is the first step basically into creating new and young entrepreneurs in our Federation.” 

According to the Bank official the craft and artefacts produced by the young children during their two-week camp would help bring in foreign revenue, needed to stimulate the entire economy. 

“So I want to encourage persons who are here to continue to develop the little skill you would have picked up here in this summer camp and continue to think positively and continue building up on the good words and the positive notes that you would have picked up at the camp,” advised Mr Douglas. 

“These are little trades that can be built upon so you can eventually become your own business owners and even employ some of your fellow men within your communities. 

About 80 young persons from six to 18 years attended the camp which was held in the period August 13-24 and was facilitated by the Reverends Albèric and Joyce Rohan on behalf of the Circuit Deacon, Rev Janetta James. 

The Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis sponsored the t-shirts that were worn by camp participants including the facilitators. Sponsorship cheque for the purchase of the t-shirts was presented to the Circuit Steward, Dr Christine Walwyn, by the Bank’s Executive Assistant Ms Danienne Brin, a few days before the camp assembled. 

“On behalf of the St. Kitts Circuit of the Methodist Church, we sincerely like to thank the Development Bank for their generous offer of its sponsorship this year for the summer camp,” observed Dr Walwyn. “We are very grateful that you have answered our call and to help us to facilitate the camp, to help the young people of the entire St. Kitts.” 

The camp was held under the theme ‘Let us love God and one another’, and according to one of its facilitators, Mr Stuart Warde, the Annual Summer Day Camp is an event that has become a hallmark on the church’s agenda, geared towards educating and developing the children and teenagers, not solely within the Methodist community, but the entire country.