Barbados
Commonwealth Point of Light 7. Kemar Saffrey
Kemar Saffrey, representing Barbados, is the founder of ‘The Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society’, which feeds over 120 people every week and has helped 320 of its programme participants to secure employment, homes and bank accounts.
Kemar oversees the programme that gives clients access to social services, educational classes, and counselling. Her Majesty The Queen presented him with a ‘Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development’ in 2013 and Prince Harry visited the project in 2016.
The award for Kemar was presented by Janet Douglas, UK High Commissioner in Barbados.
Watch Kemar explain some of the charity’s work:
Today’s Commonwealth #PointsofLight winner Kemar Saffrey is founder of ‘The Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society’, which feeds over 120 people every week 🇧🇧
Read Kemar’s story: https://t.co/6Y9bf7jfiP#ourCommonwealth @UKinCaribbean @HCJanetDouglas pic.twitter.com/b5RmJ1D1N2
— CHOGM London 2018 (@Commonwealth18) 9 February 2018
Kemar said:
“Upon hearing the news of the award I was completely shocked because we weren’t looking for an award. We do our work from the heart but we appreciated that we were identified at such a high level. The award is not just for me, but the BVHS staff, the Board, its members and all the volunteers that come together to make this a reality.”
“I would encourage anyone out there who is seeking to help other persons, whether it be the vulnerable, the homeless, or whatever they feel in their hearts; to try to make a difference by doing.”
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty The Queen and the selection committee, for choosing me for such a prestigious award. I am humbled and elated that the work which I started nearly a decade ago can be recognised at such a level. Again, thank you.”
Janet Douglas, British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean said:
“I am delighted that Kemar Saffrey has been chosen by Her Majesty The Queen as Barbados’ Commonwealth Point of Light. Kemar has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of homeless people in Barbados, both by providing services to help get their lives back on track, and by raising awareness in local communities and nationally of their plight. Through his actions, Kemar sets an example of how we can make a difference to our communities through volunteering.”