Two members of the diaspora who were unable to attend their presentation of Pride of Barbados Awards ceremony received their awards on Tuesday at State House.
Reverend Dr Steve Foster, formerly of Welchman Hall, St Thomas, and Selwyn Holder of Harrow Land, St Philip, received their awards from Acting President Reverend Dr Jeffrey Gibson in a brief ceremony.
Dr Foster, an alumnus of Combermere School, was recognised for his dedication and outstanding service in the provision of care for the elderly and shut-ins in the community; his lifelong commitment to youth work, community activism and the Church; and his outstanding achievement in evangelism and improving the circumstances of at-risk youth.
He has served as rector of St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rosedale, New York, Diocese of Long Island, for the past 12 years.
He thanked the residents of St Thomas and the Government of Barbados for “recognising his work with the people of God and giving back to the community, the mission for which Christ has called us”.
Holder, an alumnus of Princess Margaret Secondary School, who currently resides in Washington, DC, was recognised for his philanthropy and selfless support of the St Philip Primary School and the less fortunate in communities for over 15 years.
It was noted that his enduring generosity continues to transform lives and uplift the parish.
Holder expressed gratitude to the members of the St Philip community who nominated him for the award and to the many supporters in Washington, DC, who have contributed and donated to the residents and students of St Philip. He said volunteers have continued each year to raise funds and provide supplies to the schools in the parish. “This award belongs to the people of St Philip,” he added.
Witnessing the presentation of the awards were Claudette Foster-Greaves, aunt of Reverend Foster, and Holder’s wife, Lillieth.
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