The following is an open letter to Wayne Carey, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Families, Sports and community DevelopmentDecember 14, 2011Dear Sir,In an excerpt from the CAPACITY TO ACHIEVE speech, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I counsels in this way: “Each man must repay what he has received from his country.”It is with that over standing, Mr Permanent Secretary, that I enclose herewith a cheque in the amount of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) which represents monies returned to the Government of Bermuda on behalf of the Department of Financial Assistance.With all praises going to Almighty God, my situation has changed, and for the better. (It is my hope that this money may be used to help some other individual or family in need of a little help during these challenging, but strengthening times.)Some years ago, I too was unemployed, and like a great many persons today, but against my better judgment, I was encouraged to sign onto the Financial Assistance rolls. Given the computer technology of the day, this was not particularly difficult for me, especially since I could quite easily furnish the compulsory five (5) job searches per day. Still, I was uncomfortable accepting payment and not performing at least some work. My solution: I would volunteer my time.True to my commitment, a few weeks later, I was comfortably settled into, not just one volunteer role, but five: Mornings, feeding patients at Agape House; from there I hurried across to the King Edward VII Memorial to assist their offices in an administrative capacity; at one o’clock, I was feeding the (geriatric) patients their lunches; later in the day, I walked to Westmeath to complete a project of refinishing thirty-plus wooden chairs, and Saturdays, I assisted the Bermuda Red Cross dispensing and repairing wheelchairs, walkers and other hospital equipment. Less frequently, I collected and bagged trash in the area across from Hayward’s procery store in Warwick.To the folks who have found themselves in the position of having to apply to the department for assistance, I would like to encourage you this way. Firstly, do not become disheartened, God will make a way! More, I would guide you, during this time, to (re) acquaint yourselves with His Holy Word; to heed its instructions, and to give thanks always and in all things. The Bible assures us this way: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1); and at another place: The LORD himself foes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you ... (Deuteronomy 31:8).For now, my fervent prayer is that Almighty God will continue to bless Bermuda and surround her people with all the joys of Christmas combined with peace and prosperity throughout the New Year.RASTAFARI