The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Dr M R Kavala and his wife, Nalini, hosted more than 250 senior citizens from throughout Grand Bahama to lunch at the St Stephen's Church Hall in Eight Mile Rock.

The Seniors Luncheon has been held every year for the past 17 years by the Kavalas, who have been a part of the Eight Mile Rock community for almost three decades.

The number of those attending continues to rise each year. Seniors look forward to the lunch, as they are provided a hot meal consisting of a mixture of Bahamian and Indian cuisine, and entertainment by the Cooling Waters gospel group.

Dr Kavala, who is celebrating his birthday, turned 65 this year.

"Today is the day I become one of them," he said. "Some people are concerned about getting older but I am not, and I thank God I am able to reach this stage in my life."

Dr Kavala moved to the Bahamas 30 years ago and was initially employed as a general practitioner at the Government Clinic.

Retiring from the public service after many years, he opened a private clinic in Eight Mile Rock.

Mr Kavala sent out around 300 invitations this year, and although not quite that number showed up because of the rainy weather, the church hall was filled to capacity by around 250 persons and some guests had to be seated under a tent.

"It keeps getting bigger and better every year. This economy is hard but I feel this is not time to forget our seniors citizens; we need to show love and concern for them with gestures like this.

"I feel satisfaction in sharing a little bit of what I have with people in the community where I live. Many people may not know, but I do the same thing when I go home (to India) where I grew up as a child.

"I have been doing it for the past five years now. It has been more than 25 years since I left my country, but when I go there I remember my childhood and I make it a point to help people when I visit," said Dr Kavala.

He thanked a number of persons for their support over the years, including the late Henry Johnson, who was instrumental in establishing the private practice.

He also thanked Sylvia DaCunha of Freeport and his relatives Mr Krishna Jetty and Mrs Janaki, who travelled from Canada and assisted by preparing dishes.

Special thanks were also extended to The Tribune, ZNS and The Freeport News.

"My family considers this year's event a very special one as it is 30 years since we moved to the Bahamas," said Dr Kavala.

"It is the 17th year we have hosted this event and I wish to see these events continue - at least until we celebrate our 20th luncheon."

The seniors are very appreciative of what Dr Kavala has done for them over the years.

"It is very good of him doing this. I come every other year and it is something I look forward to," said Muriel, an invited guest.

"I appreciate what Dr Kavala is doing for us. He does this every year and I enjoy coming because it shows that someone cares about us," said senior Ivy McIntosh.

Rev Lindy Russell, a resident of Eight Mike Rock, commended the Kavalas for their annual gesture of kindness.