Campden Park, St. Vincent – Hand in Hand SVG, a nonprofit born from a grassroots Christmas drive, has honoured former Member of Parliament Hon. Jeremiah Scott for his dedicated service to the people of South Leeward and the nation at large.
The tribute took place on June 14, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., during an intimate ceremony at the private residence of the long-respected statesman. Surrounded by friends, neighbours, and a few invited constituents, Hon. Scott was celebrated for his many contributions to community development during his 17-year tenure as a parliamentarian with the New Democratic Party.
He was presented with an honorary plaque by the Hon. Nigel Stephenson, along with a monetary donation and a floral arrangement from Hand in Hand SVG—a gesture the organization described as an expression of gratitude for the lives he touched from Campden Park to Vermont and beyond. Signature projects such as the Campden Park Port, basketball court, numerous footpaths, roads, and community centres still stand as testaments to his vision and leadership.
Founded by Mrs. Laferne Thomas ten years ago, Hand in Hand SVG has grown from a small initiative supporting 40 families to a registered 501(c)(3) charity that now serves over 200 families across St. Vincent. The organization’s annual projects—such as a Christmas toy drive, food bag distribution, and back-to-school backpack giveaways—highlight its dual mission of providing immediate relief and fostering long-term hope.
The organization’s reach also extends to the United States, where it is active in food distribution, annual health fairs, and school supply drives in Brooklyn—especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, Hand in Hand SVG completed the first phase of a concrete footpath project in the village of Cocoa and is preparing for this year’s backpack distribution, benefiting students from six schools. Plans are also underway to spread Christmas cheer in Campden Park by lighting the garden near the bridge and hosting Nine Mornings activities for community enjoyment.
Working quietly but with significant impact, Hand in Hand SVG continues to grow through the commitment of its board, volunteers, and donors. The organization encourages those who share its vision of compassion and community empowerment to support its projects and help transform even more lives across St. Vincent and beyond.