The Tribune

Dr Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, who spent more than 30 years as a foreign language educator and administrator at the College of The Bahamas (COB), is well-known for her love of her homeland and her many and varied contributions to its development.

From early youth, she has given, not only through education, but also through her dedication to the programmes of St Joseph’s Catholic Church where she has worshipped for most of her life and through her many civic engagements. She has now turned to helping to feed the hungry through donations to one of the best known of the soup kitchen ministries.

Now retired from COB and currently established as coordinator of the Bahamas Insurance Association, Dr Chipman-Johnson donated $800 to Great Commission Ministries International on May 23. Dr Chipman-Johnson chose to reach out to Great Commission Ministries this year, because she is impressed by the wonderful work of Mrs Minalee Hanchell and her team in feeding the poor and assisting persons otherwise distressed.

The donated funds were raised from the proceeds of a tea party Dr Chipman-Johnson has held at her home since 1996 to support the college’s library. Over the past 18 years, Dr Chipman-Johnson has organised 16 tea parties at her home. The proceeds from 13 of these occasions were donated to COB’s Library Fund, amounting to more than $20,000. Other causes or groups that have benefitted include St Joseph’s Church, St Joseph’s Church New Organ Fund and the Government High School’s class of 1968.

Patronised by a wide range of Bahamians and non-Bahamians, these festive events have a two-fold purpose.

In addition to funding Dr Chipman-Johnson’s adopted charities, they are also designed to provide information about important aspects of the history, culture and folklore of the Bahamas.

Those attending are exposed to information and entertainment provided by highly knowledgeable guest speakers and feast on a variety of teas and food.

“I consider this a communal effort,” Dr Chipman-Johnson said. “Every single person who attends my tea parties is a donor. I could not do half as much without their support.

“I hope many others will reach out to assist this worthy and much-needed work of Great Commission Ministries. They will be blessed.”