October 31, 2003

Dear Sir,

It is entirely appropriate that the community should take a little time out to celebrate and give thanks to the many who have worked so hard to restore our island home after the recent assault by Hurricane Fabian. We should all be grateful for the dedication and commitment of all the men and women who work for our Government agencies, public services and utility companies, many of whom are continuing to work extended hours to complete restoration and repair of all our many services.

Even though the damage sustained at our own homes was relatively minor compared to many, it is still hard to imagine how one would have coped with having to go out to work repairing roads or utility lines in addition to taking care of our own needs at home. Thank you all.

Let's not forget, however, the many people all across the Island who continue to look out for others at a personal level in their hour of need. We would like to express our own gratitude to Manuel Baron, ably supported by wife Diana and son Chris, who without hesitation put his construction projects on hold and immediately turned to help his neighbours and friends with their problems. We know we speak for others in the immediate vicinity when we say that we all owe a debt of gratitude and a huge vote of thanks to Manuel and his team. It has been a great relief to be able to place ourselves in his capable hands.

We have heard many similar stories of people being helped by friends and neighbours. So let us be sure to give thanks at this personal level as well ? this is community spirit at its best.