Ministry of Youth and Culture Gets Financial Boost from Famed Cricketer
By: , December 31, 2013The Key Point:
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna (2nd right), accepts a cheque valued at $250,000 from former West Indian cricketer, Brian Lara (2nd left), when he visited the Minister’s New Kingston offices on December 30. The cheque, which was accepted by the Minister on behalf of the Child Development Agency (CDA) will go towards the island’s children’s homes. Others sharing in the moment are: Acting Chief Executive Officer, CDA, Rosalee Gage Grey (left); and Advisor in the Ministry, Sadie Keating.The Facts
- A portion of the funds will also be used to assist a 15-year-old girl who is in need of a vital surgery.
- Mr. Lara said the donation forms part of the work he wishes to do to assist with the development of children and youth.
The Full Story
Ministry of Youth and Culture has received a donation of $500,000 to provide assistance to children in the care of the Child Development Agency (CDA) from former West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara. The presentation was made to the Minister Hanna at the Ministry’s head office on December 30, 2013.
A portion of the funds will also be used to assist a 15-year-old girl who is in need of a vital surgery.
The former captain was initially making a donation of $250,000 but admitted that after being in dialogue with the Youth Minister over the past couple months he wished to double the amount. Mr. Lara said the donation forms part of the work he wishes to do to assist with the development of children and youth.
“It’s a great pleasure to be back in Jamaica. Hearing about the cases that have been going on in her field as the Youth Minister. I feel it necessary as a Caribbean human being to try to make some sort of contribution, not just in my funds but in any way possible.” he said.
Noting that he is inspired by the enthusiasm of Jamaican youth, the former West Indies cricket captain is encouraging all Jamaicans to strive to make a difference in the lives of children and young person for the New Year.
“The enthusiasm the youth have here, I love the whole vibrant way they live ….a lot of them weren’t as fortunate as I was to get the backing that I did but I’m sure the enthusiasm is still there and I would love to reach out and play a part in their future. Let’s put a good foot forward for 2014 and let’s try to make a difference, “he encouraged.
Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna thanked Mr. Lara for his contribution and noted that the money will go a far way in offsetting the expenses of the young girl’s surgery.
“For those who are in state care it goes such a far way when persons reach out and care for and about them. I know hearing about this intervention will make her life a lot easier and happier. Brian, we know where your heart is and doing this particularly at this time speaks to unity of purpose and I really would like to thank you on behalf of the Ministry and the CDA,” she said.