J'can-born pastor giving back to his community

Jamaica-born ordained pastor, Rev Father Michael Day, has left the US on a mission to construct a community centre and nursing home in Cockburn Gardens.

Using the money he made from offerings while ministering at services, funerals and weddings, as well as cooking and selling food in the US, Day is hoping that he can give less fortunate persons in the community an early Christmas present.

"I don't have a timeline, to be honest. If I had the money like that, I could say it will be completed in the next three months or four months, but I believe it can be completed before Christmas. This will be a Christmas gift for the community members who are in need," Day told THE STAR.

Having seen the need to raise the standard of living in the community from as far back as the aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, Day believes that the development is needed in the community especially for elders who live in substandard conditions.

"They will have somewhere to live, they will have food to eat and medical treatment on a daily basis," he said. "We want to have a nursing home, a clinic and a soup kitchen where hot meals will be served daily," Day said.

After living overseas for 22 years, the 51-year-old has decided to leave his wife and family to ensure that the project is completed.

Even while he was living in the US, he said he would take the time out to assist needy persons by feeding them.

NEED OBSERVED

Day said he chose Cockburn Gardens because it was the community in which he grew up before he migrated.

"I born and grow in this area, and the need that I have seen here is unbelievable. A lot of them live into some shacks, so they need somewhere to live," he said.

With ground now broken, Day is now tasked with the duty of purchasing material need to completed the project as well as paying workmen, he is urging persons to assist him by contributing to the non-profit organisation set up under the name Day's Community Center.

"I need support from those who can do so. Whatever contribution they can give I would accept it, so whether it is corporate companies or individuals," he said.

He said he has been getting great support from the community and the police.

Persons who wish to assist by funding the construction of the community centre may contact 868-1536 for more information.