US Coast Guard officers assist in cleaning-up Elizabeth Estates Children's HomeBy JIMENITA SWAIN,Guardian Staff Reporter jimenita@nasguard.com
United States Coast Guard officers of the Cutter 'Valiant' decided to willingly give of themselves and their free time Thursday when they volunteered to carry out repairs at the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home.
A sizable group of about 30 strapping lads launched a vigorous beautification campaign at the Home as they planted trees, painted buildings and installed bunk beds donated by the Lyford Cay Foundation.
US Ambassador John D. Rood visited with the staff of the Home and crew of the Valiant yesterday afternoon in support of their efforts. He expressed his appreciation for what they were doing.
He explained that US Coast Guard officers were not only involved in migrant interdiction, poaching and illegal drug smuggling prevention, "but when they get into Port, they chip in like this, and that makes me real proud because I look at them as goodwill ambassadors."
Ambassador Rood said that the men represented their country and he simply wanted to come out and personally thank them for their efforts.
The Valiant's Community Relations Project, coordinated in conjunction with the Department of Social Services, was implemented to improve the living standards of the children living at the Home.
Cherely Kelly, administrator of the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home said that they were extremely grateful to the US Coast Guard for allowing the officers to come in and help with the project. "It came at a wonderful time because we just had 50 beds donated, 25 of the bunk beds were donated by the Lyford Cay Foundation. Presently, 43 children, both males and females, ages 10 to 18, reside at the home," she said. She added that the men assisted in putting the finishing touches on the beds. The officers were seen staining the wooden framed beds. Ms. Kelly also thanked the US Ambassador for supporting the project.
In the meantime, Lieutenant Commander, Terry Johns, the Liaison Officer for the US Coast Guard, attached to the US Embassy, explained, "Everyday of the week about 200 (Coast Guard) members come to The Bahamas to work primarily in counter drug interdiction as well as search and rescue."
The ships that pull into Port every month are about 110 feet long. But he revealed that the Valiant is a 210 feet long Cutter. "They sail from anywhere between a month to three months and then they switch duties with other cutters that are on the East Coast of the United States. Today they enjoy about a two day break in between their two month patrol so they volunteered to come down and assist anywhere they can," he said. There are 60 men onboard the Valiant.
Ensign Nicholas Ramierez, Public Relations officer traveling with the vessel said at each foreign Port they call on, they "try to do different things to reach out to the community; they help out the youth of America and the youth of other countries. We've been blessed with so many things, so it's been nice every once in a while to give back and let people know how much we care and how much we're looking for the whole world to succeed and not just our portion of the US."
Lieutenant Arthur Ray, who assisted with the painting, said he was just happy to be giving something back to the less fortunate.
The Valiant leaves town on Saturday for its home port in Miami, Florida.
