Basil Chambers: a Montserrat Champion Towards Building a Community of Prosperity

I waited to add my commendations to Basil Chambers, for a story as magnificent as what he has recently achieved deserves not only a single airing, but instead a prolonged period of reflection and congratulations. So today I write in honour of Brother Basil.

Basil Chambers is a national of the island of Montserrat; an island in the Caribbean that has undergone massive social and economic upheavals over the past 20 years and more. Basil works as an on-air personality and Broadcaster on the island's lone radio station - ZJB Radio, or Radio Montserrat as it is popularly known.

On Sunday, July 2nd, 2017, Mr Chambers held a charity cricket match and fun day in celebration of his Birthday at Salem Park, located in Salem Village Montserrat. The theme, however, of this fun day and charity cricket march was not simply for Basil's birthday, but he instead tilted the day as a marketing and fundraising drive to raise much needed funds for one of the island's charities that helps to feed the elderly on Montserrat - the Meals on Wheels Programme.

To date, a phenomenal sum of over EC$11,000 (US$4,074) has been raised for the Meals on Wheels Charity as a result of the efforts of Basil Chambers! An astonishing accomplishment!

The Meals on Wheels Programme is one that I have a particular fondness for, for I recall growing up in the village Windy Hill, on the Eastern Side of the island, they regularly delivered meals to my now deceased great grandfather.

Beyond congratulations, I wish to place Basil's efforts and vision in the span of a mantra I have spoken of many times during 2017; and that is citizens all coming together collectively to inspire and build "Communities of Prosperity". Basil's significant fundraising haul is a direct example of citizens helping each other to achieve, and to further nationalism and togetherness. It is these commonalities of purpose that will foster true a true Community of Prosperity on Montserrat.

It is true that citizens and nationals of Montserrat have always pulled together in times of need and national crisis. However, what is most inspiring about this initiative by Basil, is that there was no national crisis or emergency; yet, unity of purpose was shown to be more important than standing on the wayside and doing nothing.

Communities of Prosperity will not come from government intervention and action alone. Communities of Prosperity will be further enhanced when more of Montserrat's people and lovers of Montserrat, like Basil has done, grab on to a cause outside of themselves, and promote it for the greater good of someone else.

With the efforts of Basil Chambers for the Meals on Wheels Programme on Montserrat, MNI Alive Media wishes to congratulate and hail him as a Champion towards building a Montserrat Community of Prosperity.

Well done Brother Basil Chambers!