GREAT BAY:--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams on the occasion of International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, would like to congratulate all Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on the work that they do, Wescot-Williams said in her message issued on Sunday.The United Nations (UN) General Assembly invited Governments to observe annually December 5 as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, and urged them to take measures to heighten awareness of the important contribution of volunteer service, thereby stimulating more people in all walks of life to offer their services as volunteers, both at home and abroad.
The international theme for the day is: "Share the Story: Volunteering for the Millennium Development Goals-MDGs."
"Our island nation has a diverse NGO field that has been volunteering their time and effort, some for decades, based on (com) passion and dedication for their fellow human-beings. These individuals are champions in their area of volunteerism and I would like to congratulate them for the work that they do for our community's day in, day out.
"The various organizations that exist play a role in the promotion of the MDGs and their contribution makes a positive impact on our national development as a society.
"The journey of NGOs has been challenging yet rewarding. Starting out as small groups of like-minded individuals, NGOs have become an active voice in the community and it is promising to see how they have grown and some taking a leading role in matters that affect us all.
"NGOs are true catalysts that play valuable roles in the socio-economic development of any country. I would like to encourage other members of our society to get involved in volunteerism by joining one of the many community organizations that make a difference on the island," Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, who is also responsible for the country's MDG program, told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Sint Maarten is committed to being a global partner, and as such needs to comply with UN conventions and treaties with MDGs being one of the major global efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development.
