“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one”

— Mother Teresa

For the past few months, a small and dedicated army of volunteers has gathered every other weekend to do its part to assist others.

In early July, MP Michael Weeks was able to speak to the owners of licensed food providers in an effort to bridge a gap between those in need of a helping hand and those willing to do their part for fellow Bermudians.

On alternating weekends, these establishments have donated both the raw ingredients and skilled culinary labour in order to meticulously season and cook a wide variety of items.

Subsequently, eight to ten ladies from Devonshire and Smith’s parishes meet at Christ Church, Devonshire to dish out the food that has been prepared by these local restaurants.

Wearing both masks and gloves, these ladies spend hours of their time placing into disposable containers delicacies such as bow-tie pasta, barbecue chicken, Spanish rice, chicken fried rice, mixed vegetables and salads.

Once the containers are filled, they are then placed inside individual bags for distribution to seniors and others. From there, the food is delivered throughout Devonshire and Smith’s by another set of volunteers, who place the food on the doorsteps of the respective recipients.

Needless to say, those who have received these blessings have been extremely grateful for this biweekly programme. Some have cried tears, some call or send text messages of gratitude, while others have decided to donate their time helping to deliver.

Thank you to the Reverend Jermaine Tucker aka “Friar Tuck”, for the use of the TN Nesbitt Hall. He is quite generous, even for a Liverpool supporter.

Unity over division

The lesson learnt over the past few months is rather simple.

Bermudians and entities of all stripes, international business, restaurants, grocers, churches, civic groups and individuals have heeded the call of “Love thy neighbour”.

As we enter the second phase of Covid-19, we as a country will be tested in many different ways — mentally, emotionally and financially.

Through it all, we as a people will continue to stick together, even while constantly adjusting to social distancing.

Whether it be food programmes, keeping and eye on children who are out of school, going grocery shopping for elderly neighbours or helping out those who find themselves temporarily unemployed, we must always look out for others.

Mucho obrigado

On a separate yet related note, on behalf of all the Progressive Labour Party’s “Devonshire” parliamentarians — Walter Roban, Diallo Rabain, Ernest Peets Jr, Vance Campbell, Wayne Caines, Lindsay Simmons and myself — we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents of Devonshire, Smith’s and Paget for their support over the last year.

Without a doubt 2020 has been a year like no other.

Out of all the social upheaval, there have been those who have reached out to us to offer words of advice, guidance and solace. When we could not canvass face-to-face this year, many reached out to us via phone calls, texts or e-mail.

Some cooked baked goods such as gingerbread, oatmeal cookies, sugar cookies and Portuguese Biscoitos.

Others made arrangements to assist us in one way or another during the brief election period.

Most importantly, when there were more questions than answers, Bermudians showed us patience and understanding, and encouraged us to keep our chins up. There is no reward greater than knowing you have people supporting you along the way.

In retrospect, it was not us feeding the people; it was them feeding us with love, and tough love when needed.

For this, we say your love means everything to us. So mucho obrigado (many thanks).

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com