On the occasion of Republic Day in India
St. Maarten – The Indian Merchants Association (Ima) donated 15,000 guilders (close to $8,400) to the Gamali Benjamin Foundation yesterday during a meeting at the Horizon View Hotel on Front Street. Treasurer Marinka Gumbs received the check from Ima-President Damu Rawtani in the presence of other board members of the foundation and Ima-representatives.
The Indian merchants made the donation on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of Republic Day in India.
“Benji was liked and respected by all the merchants on Front and Back Street. He was helping, understanding, friendly to merchants and at the same time staunchly committed to his duty,” the association said in a statement. “The Indian business owners across the board showed their spontaneous support to this foundation. Along with Benji it represents all uniformed personnel injured or fallen in the line of duty.”
“Given the increase in violent crime on our island it is of utmost importance that these uniformed personnel who fight the crime head on have the support of such a foundation,” the Indian merchants said, adding that some of their members have made direct contributions to the Gamali Benjamin foundation since last year.
“The Ima conducted a collection drive soon after the Benji Foundation was formalized. These funds were collected from the entire group of Indian merchants solely for the benefit, betterment and education of the late Benji’s son along with other uniformed personnel. We are happy and honored on this day as we are all celebrating the Republic Day of India. Today we contribute 15,000 guilders towards this foundation that represents the interest of all uniformed personnel.
The Indian business community is unanimously committed to causes such as these that are for the betterment of our community.”
Indian merchants donate to Gamali Benjamin Foundation
