Amid efforts to safely repatriate stranded Kiribati nationals, Dr Tinte Itinteang, the Honorable Minister of Health in Kiribati, made time recently to organise a “gratitude ceremony” in recognition of a humanitarian donation to the nation.
The occasion was the official handing over of 300 wheelchairs from Latter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Kiribati President, His Excellency Beretitenti Taneti Maamau, and Madam Speaker, the Hon. Madam Tangariki Reete, greet local Church leaders in 'Gratitude Ceremony'
- HM Dr. Tinte Itinteang, Kiribati, 'Gratitude Ceremony'
- Banririe Nenebati, president of the Tarawa Kiribati East Stake, at 'Gratitude Ceremony'
- Mr Tebakaro Ata explains prosthetics during 'Gratitude Ceremony', Kiribati
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The ceremony, held at the Parliament Compound, was attended by His Excellency, Beretitenti Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati; Speaker of the Kiribati House of Assembly, Honourable Madam Tangariki Reete; and other government officials.
Church representatives included Ioram Uakitera, counselor to President Boyd S. Foster of the Marshall Islands - Kiribati Mission, and his wife, Otomie; Banririe Nenebati, president of the Tarawa Kiribati East Stake; Penisula Mwemwenikeaki, president of the Tarawa Kiribati West Stake; and Taman Natanarea, welfare and self-reliance manager for Kiribati and the Marshall Islands.
“The donation, consisting of wheelchairs and prosthetic components for artificial limbs, will go to the Tungaru Rehabilitation Services Department within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Dr Tinte said.
The Church was acknowledged as one of the government’s active partners in development, not only in spiritual and educational programs, but in touching lives through the health sector and in social development.
Citing previous donations from Latter-day Saint Charities, Dr. Tinte expressed, on behalf of the country, his heartfelt gratitude ─ not only to the representatives present ─ but to all members of the Church worldwide, “who have been very supportive and contributed significantly.”
In his remarks, President Nenebati, said, “One of the core purposes of Latter-day Saint Charities is to abide with the second great commandment, to love thy neighbour as thyself. Giving brings joy to our hearts.”