Two stories in today’s paper regard assistance for disadvantaged persons in the community. In one case Concordia Political Alliance (CPA) has named Mental Health Foundation (MHF) as its “Institution
of the Year” and the other is about a donation from the Netherlands for Sister Basilia Centre where White and Yellow Cross Foundation caters to children with disabilities.
There is no doubt still room for improvement in both areas, but without the tireless efforts of these non-governmental organisations (NGOs) things undoubtedly would have been a whole lot worse, not just for the persons involved but also their loved ones and others having to deal with the possible consequences. It is therefore good to see the two foundations being given whatever backing and praise they get.
With some 1,600 clients MHF obviously has its work cut out for it, while White and Yellow Cross can be considered crucial also because it runs the local baby clinic, retirement home and district nursing programme. The institutions have become such indispensable fixtures in St. Maarten’s care sector that one might be inclined to no longer appreciate them and their respective roles.
However, although the often thankless tasks they perform relieve society of a major burden, caring for the less fortunate remains a collective responsibility and additional support continues to be needed concerning medical services, education, job placement, etc. In that sense a pat on the back is certainly welcome, but much more ultimately will be required.
