St John’s, May 2015. Following the launch of the charitable projects in Antigua and Barbuda, the Roman Catholic Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre has formally reported to the Grand Magistry of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George on the progress of the $4.6 million charitable engagement in the country.
In particular, the construction works of St Joseph’s Academy are progressing very well and the new West Wing of the school will be completed by August 2015. This leading Catholic school, which has a significant outreach and a multi-faith student population, has been operating in St John’s for over 50 years with almost no maintenance or renovation. A new structure is now being developed to include modern educational facilities, equipped with science labs, an auditorium and a library.
The projects for the construction of the Community Outreach Centre in Hatton, and the rebuilding and renovation of the historic and national St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral situated next to Government House in St John’s are also under way and are expected to be completed next year.
In a message to Anthony Bailey, the Bishop of St John’s-Basseterre, the Most Rev. Kenneth Richards, said, “The Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre, in particular the people of Antigua & Barbuda, are most grateful for the development and activities taking place with the invaluable assistance of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George. The social impact of the projects are multifaceted, as not only the ultimate goals for each project will be achieved, but, currently, a small, but most, significant contribution is being made to the economy, that is, in the building industry and provision of employment. This is the beauty of such a partnership between the Constantinian Order and the Diocese. May Our Good Lord continue to bless and inspire the supporters of the Order that enable the financing of such worthy partnerships.”
His Excellency David Shoul, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the Holy See, said “I am pleased to see that the projects are moving on, especially the Community Centre in Hatton which will benefit the unprivileged citizens of this area. I am sure that the completion of the charitable programme supported by the Constantinian Order will further strengthen the relations between the Order and our country”.
Anthony Bailey, Delegate of the Caribbean delegation said “I am delighted to see such progression on the Order’s projects in Antigua and Barbuda. I commend all those who have supported and worked so hard to achieve such fine results to date, especially at the site of the St Joseph’s Academy. I look forward to the completion of the facilities in time for the new school term in September and to the implementation of the other projects within a short period of time.”
The multi-million dollar charitable projects are being supported through the efforts of the Delegations for Great Britain and Ireland in cooperation with the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre. These were formally announced during the Official Visit of the Grand Master of the Constantinian Order, HRH The Duke of Castro and His Eminence Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, Grand Prior in November 2014.
The Constantinian Order’s charitable and community engagement in Antigua and Barbuda in the areas of national and religious patrimony and community outreach is underway and is part of a wider regional programme for the Caribbean including Dominica and St Lucia, and which are expected to be extended this year to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Grenada.
