After 22 years of serving lunch to the elderly, Dr. Malik Kavala was praised for giving back to the community by Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson.

The lunch for senior citizens from all over the island was held on Thursday, April 26, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

With the air filled with worship and humour, each person giving tribute did so giving God thanks for all he has done.

Dr. Kavala came to The Bahamas, some 30 years ago and was employed by the government to help build the health care service. Minister Thompson thanked the doctor, who now runs a private clinic, and added that his service in the Eight Mile Rock Clinic enabled him to be known throughout the island.

He gives back through his annual luncheon honouring the senior citizens, and added that they (senior citizens) ought to be recognized for their contributions and accomplishments.

Minister Thompson also thanked Dr. Kavala on behalf of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, as well as all of his parliamentary collegues. “I wish to commend Dr. Kavala and Mrs. Kavala for their commitment to the community, commitment to the senior community in particular.” 

He said he hopes that Dr. Kavala continues to serve as an inspiration to the business community. “There have been so many who have come and started businesses and made millions and millions of dollars coming to The Bahamas. But I want to say and point out that he has been an inspiration and an example of a good business partner and a good business person. He set up a business in the community but not just doing business in the community, but giving back to the community.

“I wish that there were more businesses who would follow his example. I strongly encourage other businesses of the community and other attendees today to continue to support these efforts. Unity is an integral part of this island as a whole. We will only achieve what we need to achieve if we do it together.”

Also present was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Vaughn Miller, who brought remarks on behalf of his Minister, the Hon. Lanisha T. Rolle. He said the Department of Social Services is mandated to ensure that all Bahamians have a right to a good quality of life. The vision statement, he added, speaks to creating a society for all ages through empowerment, protection, inclusion, cultural sensitivity and team social building using all social partners. “Today was evidence of what can be accomplished by utilizing social partners.”

Also present were Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, and MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Pakesia Parker Edgecombe; Permanent Secretary of OPM Grand Bahama, Harcourt Brown; and other government officials.

MCs for the event were David Wallace and Will Stubbs and entertainment was provided by the Cooling Waters.

By Robyn Adderley