Assemblyman fulfils campaign promise with food, clothing bank

Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden assemblyman Kelvon Morris has launched a food and clothing bank in his electoral district.

On March 19, Morris distributed 11 hampers to families in the district at his office at Plymouth Road, Whim.

The initiative, which will see hamper and clothing care packages being distributed monthly to needy families, was one of Morris’ campaign pledges in the run-up to the January 25 THA election.

Morris, 36, said: “As I walked the length and breadth of Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden, I recognised that many families were struggling due to the covid19 pandemic and, therefore, I made a commitment to establish a food and clothes bank to assist residents most in need and bring some short-term relief.”

He added the initiative also seeks to encourage goodwill among Tobagonians.

Saying he has pledged five per cent of his salary to it, Morris said residents can feel free to make contributions. People can make donations on social media or by visiting the district office.

He explained residents are selected from recommendations by the field officers assigned to the district but people can also make requests by filling out a form that can be accessed via the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the area representative.

The young assemblyman is one of six PNM candidates who won their seats in the THA election.

But the THA is yet to be properly constituted, owing to the fact that a solution to end the six-six deadlock has not yet been reached.

Morris said this has not kept him from fulfilling his responsibilities as the area’s representative. He said he intends to be a visible and proactive representative in keeping with his pledge to remain “accessible and inclusive.”

Morris has already established a 24/7 district help desk to facilitate direct contact. The desk will allow residents to log issues/concerns, make recommendations and get real-time responses.

Morris said he has also established a skills database registry to assist residents, especially youths, with capacity-building and job opportunities.