Dear Sir,

How many ways can I say thank you? It is always gratifying to know that when you call; they will answer.

The recent dedication of The Sun and Sand Patio at Shelly Bay was the culminating answer to the call. Efforts to engage the community in this project resulted in a space at Shelly Bay Beach, dedicated to the late LaVerne Furbert, for all to share and enjoy.

I would like to take the opportunity, in this public forum, to recognise and convey my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the individuals, organisations and businesses who generously donated time, support, materials and fittings to the installation of The Sun and Sand Patio at Shelly Bay.

First of all, gratitude goes to Lieutenant Colonel David Burch, Minister of Works, who approved the request to begin this community project.

We could not have done it without the unwavering support from Craig Burt, Acting Director of Parks. Mr Burt, from the very beginning until the day of dedication, understood the vision and ensured the supply and delivery of pavers and concrete benches. With his encouraging and pleasant demeanour, he inspired us.

Mr. Jack Lee of HowZat of Shelly Bay did not hesitate to generously donate one of the inscribed wooden benches. Anonymous donors, acknowledging respect for Ms Furbert’s spirit of justice and fairness, enabled the purchase and inscription of an additional bench.

The Hamilton Parish Council, of which Ms Furbert was a member, generously donated one of the concrete tables. Mr. Joseph Marable of Crawl Hill Esso, from where Ms Furbert religiously purchased her Royal Gazette every morning, donated the second concrete table.

The Progressive Labour Party Constituency Six donated a planter and a concrete bench. The donor of the second planter wishes to remain anonymous but our gratitude remains.

Umbrellas, donated by the family of Ms Furbert, will be set out on non-windy days for all visitors to have shade from the summer sun.

The labour required to lay the actual patio was a community effort. Daniel Griffin, Michael Bean-Woodley, Jordan Daniels and Ed Swan worked assiduously to ensure that every paving stone was precisely and professionally laid and that every fitting was placed thoughtfully. They were supported one weekend by two young ladies from The Berkeley Institute as community service.

Special thanks go to Ed and Sharon Swan who have regularly maintained the area where the patio is now placed.

We held a dedication ceremony of The Sun and Sand Patio on Thursday, June 17. Our gratitude is extended to The Shelly Bay Pizza House for a generous supply of Pizza and The Bermuda Industrial Union, where Ms Furbert was administrative assistant to the president, for the celebration cake.

The Sun and Sand Patio at Shelly Bay is Phase One of the larger vision. Phase Two will ensure that anyone with physical challenges will have easy access to the beach and water.

We have experienced a fine example of a community working together. Again with sincere thanks to all, please enjoy this space at Shelly Bay. Have a wonderful and safe summer.

ESME WILLIAMS

Hamilton Parish