Presentation of Home to children of Andrea Hughes
Members of Corporate Antigua presented a home to the off springs and father of the late Andrea Hughes. Thirty-two year old Andrea Hughes died on March 30, 2014, after being hit by a vehicle while walking near Cedar Grove, leaving behind nine children
What began as a passionate plea in April by Cruise Tourism Association President, Nathan Dundas for a land plot to place the house, being built by Mr. George Ryan and Ryan Group of Companies, has resulted in not only a house but a home for the family.
A brief presentation ceremony took place on September 6, 2014, at the home with dignitaries including Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Rodney Williams, Mrs. Maria Browne, and Mrs. Jill Fernandez.
In brief opening remarks, Mr. Nathan Dundas, thanked the public of Antigua and Barbuda, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Mr. Georg Ryan, Mr. Eugene Humphreys, Courts, Rotary Club of Antigua, the late Mr. Pretzel Joseph of CHAPA, the Linen Shop, APUA Electricity and Water divisions, Central Board of Health, Staff of Brysons Shipping, ABCTA members, Romeo Planning, Belmont Clinic, Ewart Harney, the Antigua Diaspora in Miami and New York, First Domestic Industry & Commerce Insurance Company Ltd., SHAADE Distributors, Gigi and the media.
Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Rodney Williams noted “I am here with mixed feelings because this family suffered a loss; we empathize with you. I am also happy on the other hand that we have persons in our community and our country that have come forward to provide real assistance to the family. This only shows what can be done when we work together.” He commended all the supporters and encouraged other members of the community to take the lead and help the less fortunate in our community.
Mrs. Maria Browne noted that her heart was shattered when she heard of the tragic accident, and was even more torn when she heard that nine children were left motherless. In her remarks, she noted that as President of the Share Foundation, she was delighted to lend a helping hand and was pleased to be donating a dining room set and EC$1,500.00 towards the purchasing of groceries for the home.
The President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, Ms. Lorraine Josiah, presented a refrigerator and stove and thanked its partners KPMG, Townhouse Megastore, and Coconut Beach Club. Two laptops along with monthly food packages also formed part of its contributions and made a committed to be present throughout the lives of the children.
Mrs. Jill Fernandez, spoke on behalf of her husband, and constituency representation Mr. Charles Fernandez who provided groceries, and has made a commitment to supplying the family with a washing machine and a water storage tank. Other donations included 4 bunk beds by Courts Antigua and a living room set by Gigi Industries.
First Domestic Industry and Commerce Insurance Company Ltd and SHAADE Distributors Ltd, agents for TWIST fruit juice have committed to covering the cost of lessons for all the children.
The home was blessed by Rev. Charlesworth Browne with the ribbon being cut by Mr. George Ryan and Mrs. Maria Browne.
The presentation ceremony may be viewed on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfN37b7Cy9M&feature=youtu.be