ADRA-CARU Projects Achieve Success through International Alliances
At its mid-year virtual board meeting held on Tuesday May 16, 2023, the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Caribbean Union leaders, received confirming reports solidifying its ministry as an agent of change as well as endorsement from top government leaders in the Caribbean.
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ADRA Director for the Caribbean Union, Dr Alexander Isaacs; ADRA UK CEO, Bert Smith, Priscilla Prevost, ADRA Director for the East Caribbean Conference ; President of the East Caribbean Conference Pastor Anthony Hall stand with Prime Minister of Dominica, Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit and two of his aides. The team made a courtesy call on the Prime minister and visited ADRA Projects on the island of Dominica.
At its mid-year virtual board meeting held on Tuesday May 16, 2023, the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Caribbean Union leaders, received confirming reports solidifying its ministry as an agent of change as well as endorsement from top government leaders in the Caribbean.
“God has placed us in the hands of humanity to be agents of change and to give hope and a future promise to all whom we serve,” was the message put forth by ADRA Director for the Caribbean Union Dr, Alexander Isaacs as he delivered the devotional session beginning the plenary meeting.
With its projects that focus on long-term sustainability, ADRA has drawn significant national attention and received governmental affirmation for its ambitious campaign launched in Dominica in collaboration with ADRA United Kingdom and other local partners.
“… in recent times, we've been affected by multiple natural events and ADRA has been one of the first groups who really has come forward to be part of our rebuilding efforts,” said Prime Minister of Dominica, Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit. “…and I think ADRA has done a remarkable job. So, thank you very much for all your support, your help. I have no doubt that ADRA has spent the money wisely, as you would've seen on displays of in the reactions of the beneficiaries and on the ground in Dominica”
President of the Caribbean Union Conference Dr. Kern Tobias speaking to the ADRA board members during the virtual meeting to review the activities of ADRA over the period.
“ADRA’s approach to development has long been partnership-based. Rather than funneling resources toward hit-and-run relief projects, ADRA focuses on empowering the local community,” indicated Dr. Isaacs. “When it enters a region, ADRA gives community partners the tools and resources they need to improve their own living standards, providing economic independence and dignity.”
Local directors reported that ADRA has been investing in transporting migrant Hispanic families in Tobago. In most of the other territories, ADRA continues to serve humanity by offering support to homeless individuals, providing for hurting families, supporting back to school initiatives and working with local church community services department to relieve the needs of humanity.
“We want to strengthen our organization to better position ourselves to take on the development role,” Isaacs added.
Leaders celebrated the success achieved in having ADRA registered locally in several of the islands of the Caribbean Union. Board members voted to participate in a grant writing initiative that will enhance efforts in connecting with beneficiary partners and other stakeholders who would want to support the ministry of ADRA.
“Securing sustained funding opportunities, broadening communications and marketing opportunities, and further developing new and relevant thematic areas of concentration are a number of things that ADRA will continue to pursue,” said Chairman of the meeting Dr. Kern Tobias.
ADRA leaders from across the territory participating in the virtual meeting. Among them are ADRA Director for the Caribbean Union, Dr. Alexander Isaac and ADRA Director for the East Caribbean Conference Priscilla Prevost.
Dr. Tobias affirmed the collaboration and integrity of ADRA Dominica who continues to access funding from its European partner in building homes for the people. “They represent an international organization and because of their accountability and transparency, they have been able to maintain the integrity of their partner. ADRA Dominica, through its local representative Priscilla Prevost who reported on the successful visit of their ADRA United Kingdom (UK) Partner to the island in May of this year.
The meeting emphasized the need for territories to have a national emergency plan and underscored the urgent need for territories to preposition themselves for the upcoming hurricane season beginning June 2023.”
The meeting said good bye to long-standing administrative assistant to the ADRA Director Avril John who accepted a call to serve the University of the Southern Caribbean. At the same time, welcome was given to two new ADRA directors. Pastor Dwayne Daniel for Guyana Conference and Pastor Sherwin White from the South Leeward Conference.
ADRA is officially recognized in many of the islands of the Caribbean as a respectable humanitarian organization sharing the love of Jesus in the community.