- Sylvester Simmons Foundation Established On Bequia
Given the depth of Sylvester Simmons involvement in community affairs, on the island of Bequia, the Sylvester Ambrose Simmons Memorial Foundation has been established in his honour.
The aim of the foundation, which has the blessings of his colleagues and his family, is to offer financial support to the initiatives with which Sylvester was strongly associated.
Sylvester Simmons, commonly known as Pepe,’ of Lower Bay, Bequia, sadly died in 2021. Ahead of a very few, Sylvester’s commitment and dedication to community service were almost total.
As a teacher, he did not only impart knowledge; he inspired and guided youths in the acceptance of cultural and social norms. He was a founder member of the Bequia Cultural Youth Movement, a group that gave the young people of Bequia a platform to hone their public speaking skills and critically examine national issues.
He was clerk of the then-Bequia District Council at a time of political upheaval that could have easily disadvantaged the people of Bequia, but he, against the prevailing trend, continued to discharge his duties without fear or favour.
As if this were not enough, Sylvester positioned himself on the Tourist Board, where he championed the development of marine skills in youths, and on the Local Boat Race, later to become the Easter Regatta.
He also positioned himself on the Bequia Branch of the Rotary Club, a respected international organisation with a motto that reads, “Service before self.”
Guided by the ideals of that organisation, there is little doubt that he calculated that his membership could bring immense benefits to communities in Bequia.
But Sylvester’s commitment to community causes did not stop there, because, as a successful entrepreneur and unlike others, he gave selflessly to initiatives in the Grenadines.
The Foundation received approval as a charity (0137/2023) on August 30th, 2023, and the formal launch is on December 16th, 2023.
