St. George’s, December 15, 2010 – The House of Representatives held its final 2010 session Tuesday, with MPs on both sides of the aisle using the sitting to extend greetings to the nation, especially the constituents they represent in parliament.
The Members of Parliament are expected to continue their round of Christmas parties in their constituencies, and engaging in holiday visits to people in their homes and in institutions such as hospitals.
Among parties held so far were two last Saturday, December 11. One was hosted at Camahogne Park by St. George South MP Glynis Roberts. Another on Market Hill was organised by a group of Anglican Church members with the support of Hon. Peter David, MP for the Town of St. George and General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress.

“Today is our special day,’’ said Pamela Steele, who heads the Market Hill Community Project for the Poor.

She said the group assists about 55 people every Saturday. But more than 120 attended the Christmas event where they received a dinner that included macaroni pie, fried rice, ham, callaloo, pumpkin, chow mien and baked chicken.

They also were given food baskets of staple food items such as rice, sugar, flour, milk and cooking oil.

Mrs. Steele said a lot of people, including hotel managers and private caterers, supplied the dinner. The staple food items were purchased from the group’s revolving fund, to which contributions were provided by several individuals and businesses.

“There is an army of people that gives towards this,’’ Mrs. Steele said. “We enjoy doing this and it’s an expression of support for Mr. David. He still has friends and a lot of them are here today.’

’MP David, who donated a ham for the dinner, wished everyone a happy holiday season, and urged them to try their utmost to make it an enjoyable but safe Christmas.

“If you have any problems, you know how to find me,’’ said Mr. David, who expressed thanks for the support from his constituents.

“I try to do the best I can in the best way I can,’’ said Mr. David, who is Minister of Tourism. “I know when I leave here today I’ll feel good because I’m around people I love and people who love me.’’

This weekend, the Town of St. George Constituency Group will put on three children’s Christmas parties. The first is on Saturday, December 18, on the Carenage Sports.

There will be two on Sunday, December 19: one in River Road and the other in the Four Roads area of the city centre.

The “Christmas: Come Carry and Share’’ event at Camahogne Park was the sixth annual.

“This year I’ve gotten wonderful support – more than ever,’’ beamed MP Roberts, with music playing and excited children yelling in the background as they collected food and toys.

“The concept of Christmas,’’ she added, “is about caring and sharing. The concept is coming alive.’’

Mrs. Roberts, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Ecclesiastical Affairs, said the success of the yearly event is due to the assistance of dozens of volunteers, parent, students and teachers in the community, as well as the business sector in the south of the island.

“This is not Glynis’ event,’’ the MP emphasised. “I’m only the messenger for the goodness we have in this constituency.’’

MP Roberts said she is appreciative of the support network of Grenadians at home and abroad who have been helping with the venture.

“I also want to thank my friends in Montreal, Canada, and in England, who have been sending toys to us ever since I have been MP,’’ she said. “We have a whole network. It’s a wonderful movement of hands, hearts and finances of people who are coming forward to help us.’’