THE donation of a new high-powered outboard motor will mean stress-free travel, in the new school term, for the students of Sand Hills Primary School, Region 10.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, said the donation ‘flowed’ from a request made by Sand Hills Toshao, Aldwayn Denhart, at the recently-held National Toshao Conference (NTC). “This request became a reality as a result of networking with the Ministry of Communities to ensure our youths have access to education hassle-free,” he said. Accepting the engine for the community, Deputy Toshao, Elvin Evans, thanked the government for fulfilling its commitment and noted that the donation would improve school attendance.

“I am so glad that our prayers have been answered…our youths have to pedal for long distances just to attend school, and I know that it can be quite tiring for them… and this donation I promise that we will care for it,” he said. Community Health Care Officer, Carolyn Cobis-Leonard, echoed those sentiments and requested another engine to assist her in the delivery of her duties.  “For the last 12 years since I have been stationed in this community, the health Centre has no engine… I use my own boat to make house calls so that residents can get the necessary assistance needed,” Cobis-Leonard explained. In keeping with the season, Minister Norton promised that the children of Sand Hills and neighbouring communities would also benefit from his department’s toy drive.