Living Water Community, in association with Nigel G Salina, launched the Mercy foundation on Thursday, May 24.

In a beautiful ceremony at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Port of Spain, Senator Christine Sahadeo, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, endorsed the new venture and gave it her blessing saying, “May you (the Living Water Community) continue your good work, helping and healing the less fortunate in our society”.

Senator Christine Sahadeo (centre) chatting with Living Water's Rhonda Maingot and Rose Jackman

The Mercy Foundation seeks to provide assistance to non government organisations (NGO’s) and community based organisations (CBO’s) throughout the Caribbean region, helping them to realise their goals in the fight against poverty, illiteracy and poor health.

It also is a formal arm of Living Water Community created to facilitate allocation and distribution of funds. The foundation will help the Community to be more effective in its mission of aiding the underprivileged.

The programme at the launch featured a video presentation and art exhibition, and lasted just over two hours. At the opening of the ceremony the male quartet of the Lydian Chorale sang the national anthem and Fr Jason Gordon delivered the opening prayer.

The more formal part of the ceremony gave an overview of Living Water Community and its new division – The Mercy Foundation.

Nigel Salina gave attendees an idea of the structure and organisation of the Mercy Foundation and introduced the board of trustees.

After pledges were made and the vote of thanks given, patrons were invited for cocktails to officially end a splendid evening.