Roseau/London, January 2015. Anthony Bailey on behalf of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George has announced the immediate commencement of an EC$1.5 million charitable engagement in the Commonwealth of Dominica in partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Roseau.
The charitable projects, whose grants have now been transferred and match-funded, are being supported through the efforts of the Delegation for Great Britain and Ireland and its supporters in cooperation with the Diocese of Roseau. They include a significant contribution towards the restoration of the historic Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau, the renovation of St Peter’s Presbytery in Colihaut and the renovation of Our Lady of Morne Carmel Retirement Home in Morne Daniel as well as the rebuilding of the Diocesan Youth Centre in Roseau.
This significant charitable engagement follows the highly successful Official Visit of the Grand Master of the Constantinian Order HRH Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and the Grand Prior, HE Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, to Dominica from 4–6 November 2014 which included meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition of Dominica and with HE Cardinal Kelvin Felix, HL, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire and former President Dr. Nicholas Liverpool.
The President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles A. Savarin, DAH, GCCO, said “I wish to take this opportunity to restate my appreciation and gratitude and that of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica for the launching of a series of major charitable projects in the island to include; support for the continuation of the restoration of the Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau, the rebuilding of the Diocesan Youth Centre in Roseau, the renovation of both St Peter’s Presbytery in Colihaut and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Retirement Home in Morne Daniel. These projects will certainly contribute to the strengthening of the physical identity of the Church in Dominica and the enrichment of our Catholic identity.”
The Secretary General of the Royal Order of Francis I and Magistral Delegate for Inter-Religious Relations of the Constantinian Order, HE Mr Anthony Bailey said, “I am delighted that the Constantinian Order has finalised through the generosity of its members and friends in Great Britain & Ireland and elsewhere this significant donation which will allow for the immediate commencement of the works in each of the approved project sites. We look forward to working together with the Diocese of Roseau, the Dominican Government and other local partners to the implementation of each project that will benefit all citizens of Dominica. I am confident that the projects identified which encompass the full spectrum of need will help to develop understanding and trust and to deliver the relief to the poor and those in need which the Holy Father Pope Francis has so encouraged us all to promote”.
The Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire, Bishop of Roseau and Constantinian Order chaplain said: “We are deeply grateful to the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, its members and friends in Great Britain & Ireland, for their partnership with the Diocese of Roseau, in bringing to fruition these much needed projects through their financial donations. We pray the Lord’s continued blessings upon their every endeavour and that the relationship we have developed will continue to bear fruit for the glory of God’s kingdom.”
HE Dr Nicholas J O Liverpool, DAH, OCC, GCCO, former President of the Commonwealth of Dominica and member of the Order said, “I am extremely delighted that the Constantinian Order has made such a generous contribution towards the completion of the renovation of the Cathedral. This magnificent church building is well known as a historical landmark in this island’s capital city of Roseau, and it is also frequently visited by many visitors to our shores. I feel confident that on completion of this work Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral will be suitably restored to its former grandeur.”
The Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal, QC, said, “I am truly delighted that the Constantinian Order, of which I have been a member since 2003, has been so gracious as to accede to my pleas that it should widen its global programme to my homeland of Dominica and the wider Caribbean region, which sadly has within its compass many areas of acute deprivation and need which, notwithstanding the regions inherent beauty, commitment and the strong faith of its people, merits further spiritual encouragement and is worthy of immediate financial and other support”.
The charitable and community engagement undertaken and launched in Dominica by the Constantinian Order in the areas of national and religious patrimony and community outreach is part of a wider regional programme for the Caribbean including Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Grenada.