Good day to the people of Devonshire and Smith’s parishes.

For seven years, we have endeavoured to attend to local issues such as overgrown trees, cane grass and other miscellaneous issues. At times, we have had large groups of volunteers or sometimes just a few. No matter how many showed up, we ensured we got the tasks completed.

Over the past four years, there were two young men in particular who, weekly and during school holidays, worked on different projects around our parishes. They would rise early in the morning in order to beat the sun and/or traffic, depending on where the jobs would be, to faithfully take care of the following:

• Seven area bus stops painted every few months

• Roadsides cleared of cane grass

• Church walls painted

• Devonshire Bay upkeep

• Cutting grass for seniors in the area

Last December, Christ Church in Devonshire recognised them during the Annual Candlelight Service for their dedication to the community. Indeed, it was a proud moment for them and their families.

They developed not only the skill sets of landscaping and painting but, as importantly, timekeeping and customer service. So much so that earlier this summer they started a landscaping and maintenance business with nearly 50 clients of their own.

Sadly, two weeks ago, they were taken from us. The entire country lost two beautiful and loving sons.

So, as we have always done in Devonshire, we will continue to do what families do. Assisting each other in this time mentally, emotionally and financially. On Sunday, at Elliot Primary School, the Hermitage Road community will be holding a codfish breakfast fundraiser to assist the families of our two young men.

Each plate is only $20. If you wish to assist with any donations, please call Gina Benjamin on 737-0037. We thank you in advance for your support.

We will continue their legacy of taking care of Devonshire and Smith’s. Please forgive us if it takes a bit longer to get to some of these spots over the next few weeks.

In closing, please keep the Devonshire/Smith’s family in your prayers.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com