St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Theme“Onward together, Building on Solid Foundations”

C o m m e m o r a t i v e B o o k l e t

Focus

Welcome to Soroptimist International St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Commemorative Booklet as we celebrate our club’s twenty fifth Anniversary of service to women and young girls in our society.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL CARIBBEAN NETWORK

My Dear sisters,

It is with great pride and appreciation that I send you this message at this time of your great achievement in reaching the grand age of 25 years doing the work of Soroptimism in your country and also in the other Caribbean islands and our parent body SIGBI.

This has not come about without the greatest effort from all members over the course of the period and as I have stated in my address when taking up office last August, we must “go forward together”, as we aim to educate, empower and enable our young women and by extension young men in our community.

Continue to educate them, as the benefits of education are immense. It can increase the confidence of women, and give them the ability to achieve their fullest potential, as we have seen in some of the projects undertaken throughout the region. This is an excellent platform to move Soroptimist International forward, to achieve global impact and truly to be a global voice for women and girls through education and leadership.

On behalf of the Caribbean Network , we extend our sincere congratulations to all members of your club and wish you continued success in the years to come.

Agnes C WebbePresidentSoroptimist International Caribbean Network

I am delighted to send Greetings on behalf of all the members of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland to the Soroptimists of St Vincent and the Grenadines as they celebrate 25 years of service to their community. I know the activities and service of the Soroptimists has made a great difference to the lives of many women and girls on their islands and that this contribution is greatly appreciated.

Our Sisters in Soroptimism now look forward to the future and could have chosen no better theme than ‘Onward together - building on solid foundations’.

We know that they will continue to achieve success in all they do and wish them joyful celebrations.

In friendship,Pat BlackSIGBI President Elect

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT ELECT OF

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND

MESSAGE FROM OUR PATRON

LADY ANTROBUS

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Soroptimist International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I wish as Patron to extend my very best greetings to the members whose support, dedication and co-operation have made it possible to achieve so many successes.

However, we must not rest on our laurels as we know that there is always room for improvement. We must go forward always- never backward. I encourage you to look to the future, so as to ensure that we meet the goals of our Mission Statement:- “to inspire action that will create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through the global network of members and International partnerships.”

May we continue to attract to our organization ladies with dedication, passion and the will to help others.

Congratulations. Well done sisters!! Here’s looking at another 25 years.

Lady AntrobusPatron.

On behalf of your friends from S I Solihull and District, in England. I would like to extend very warm congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of the Chartering of your Club into the wonderful global family of Soroptimists.

As you review those 25 years, we feel certain that you will be surprised and inspired, when recalling just how much has been achieved by your dedication to pursuing the Objects of Soroptimism throughout that time and you can all be justifiably proud.

We are pleased to be have been able to play a small part in helping you to realise your latest ambition of obtaining this special bus and sincerely hope that it will be the means of making a difference to the lives of many, for a long time hence.

(Our donation was the proceeds of a fun-filled Caribbean-themed event - complete with steel band and limbo dancer for entertainment - on a cold night in March! Ladies in their floral dresses and men in their “loudest” shirts simply had to dance in order to keep warm! Oh! How we suffer for the cause of Soroptimism)!

Without doubt, your Anniversary weekend will be a very successful and enjoyable one and we are truly sorry that no one from S I Solihull is able to celebrate this special occasion with you in person. Be assured though, that our thoughts and best wishes are with you.

We thank you for your friendship, wish you every success in your undertakings in the next 25 years and look forward to working with you again.

In friendship

Jannette LambertPast President S I Solihull and District

MESSAGE SI SOLIHULL

JANNETTE LAMBERT

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

EUNA THOMPSON

Dear Sisters,

Twenty-five years ago on the 14th July 1987 Soroptimist International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines received its charter from the Federation of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. We then joined a body of International women called Soroptimists, we also became committed to the mission and work of Soroptimist International; we too have now become the Global Voice for women. I am proud to be counted as a member of this great global organization.

At our Charter ceremony we were informed of our roles as Soroptimists; one of these is to lobby for women’s rights. This is most relevant in our world today especially in the aftermath of revolution, conflict and war wherever they may take place in the world. Women must be involved in the peace process and in finding solutions once the rebuilding process has begun.

As professional women we need to be conscious of our status and reputation; we must ensure that our organization is a welcoming one and we must encourage other members to get involved in the work we undertake.

This year we celebrate under the theme “ ONWARD TOGETHER – BUILDING ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS”. We remember and thank all who assisted in the formation of SISVG, especially our founder President Jean Moore-Williams who was called to higher service in 1991. May light perpetual continue to shine upon her.

Congratulations and best wishes to all of our members for your hard work over the years. Let us continue to be a Global Voice for women as we strive to work towards our programme focus for Global Impact : Educate, Empower and Enable our women and girls to allow them opportunities to attain their potential.

May God’s presence and blessing be always with us in our service to humanity.

Euna Thompson

President

President: Ms. Euna ThompsonPresident Elect: Mrs. Gail DavisVice President: Ms. Miriam RoacheHon. Secretary: Ms. Saline BarbourHon. Treasurer: Josie Ann SmallPAC Officer: Mrs. Nelcia PrimusMembership Officer: Mrs. Kathryn CyrusPR Officer: Ms. Shannon DurrantIPP: Mrs. Christine DaSilva

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS:   Mrs. Annelle Thomas   Mrs. Nicola Williams   Mrs. Lavinia Gunn   Mrs. Zeitha HadawayFEDERATION CONSULTATIVE COUNCILLOR:   Mrs. Christine DaSilvaSICN REPRESENTATIVES:   Mrs. Euna Thompson & Ms. Saline Barbour

On January 29, 1987, Jean along with five excited Vincentian women, Norma Keizer, Theresa Daniel, Annelle Thomas, Lorna Small and Gwendolyn Russell met with Mrs. Ena Woodstock to discuss the formation of a Soroptimist club in St. Vincent. This meeting laid the foundation for the future of what was to become Soroptimist International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A list of prospective persons to be invited as the first recruits was compiled and a date set for the meeting. During this first visit of Mrs. Woodstock to St. Vincent, radio and television interviews were arranged and a courtesy call was also made to Lady Eustace, the wife of his Excellency, the Govenor- General, Sir Lambert Eustace.

SI Barbados agreed to be our sponsors and four of their members, Patricia Cook, Ercil Sealy. Hilda Garde-Weekes and Margaret Osborne journeyed to St. Vincent to meet with the prospective members on 3rd April 1987. They outlined details of what was required for the formation of a club and the 18 persons present were very enthusiastic and gave their commitment to becoming members. A motion was then moved to form the club and the 18 persons signed the petition which was forwarded to the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland requesting the charter of the club. Lady Eustace was also officially invited to be our Patron. The eighteen persons who signed the petition, were:

Josephine Banfield, June Bennett, Laura Browne, Kathryn Cyrus, Theresa Daniel, Susan Dougan, Carmen Jack, Yvonne John, Norma Keizer, Judith Leigertwood, Jeanie Laurel McDonald, Irwin Martin, Jean Moore-Williams, Shirley Robertson, Viola John, Natalie Sylvester, Annelle Thomas, Dilys Peters.

Two of the original five persons who met with Jean on January 29th, 1987 did not sign the petition; Gwendolyn Russell indicated that because of her commitment with Girl Guides she would not be able to become a member but would continue to give support, and Lorna Smallhad a work commitment then but was initiated with the next batch of recruits. There was no turning back from this point since our petition was accepted and a charter date for 14th July 1987 was set. The first installation of the original eighteen, plus two additional recruits, Gloria Jack and Francilma Murphy took place on the 20th June 1987. At the charter on 14th July 1987, Federation President Kate Fussell also installed the first officers of the club.

President Jean Moore-Williams1st Vice President Annelle Thomas2nd Vice President Norma KeizerHonorary Secretary Irwin Martin Honorary Treasurer Yvonne John

Committee members were: Viola John, Theresa Daniel, Carmen Jack, Judith Leigertwood, and Dilys Peters.With the firm establishment of the club work then began in the programme areas of Soroptimist International.

How did it all begin? Mrs. Jean Moore–Williams an employee of Barclays Bank, Barbados and a member of SI Barbados came to St. Vincent to live and work. There was one shortcoming however, there was no Soroptimist club in St. Vincent. Encouraged by Mrs. Ena Woodstock, the Extension Officer for SI Caribbean and members of her own club SI Barbados, Jean took up the challenge to start a club in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

HISTORY OF SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES 1987 –2012

Our first project was the Glebe Preschool in Barrouallie in 1988. A Community worker, Mrs. Nelcia Robinson approached the club to give assistance to a young lady from the Grassroots community in Barouallie who was starting a Preschool as a self sustaining operation. The school began with about twelve children and now has about forty- four.This is the physical capacity for accommodation. This is an ongoing project. The school is now managed by a committee with representatives from SISVG, o t h e r s t a k e h o l d e r s a n d Government. In 2003 the entire building housing the school had to be demolished due to termite infestat ion. The Hon.Pr ime Minister was approached by the management committee for assistance from the poverty alleviation programme and the school was rebuilt in 2004. SISVG continue to monitor the progress of the school and to give assistance wherever needed.

PROJECTS

Our Comfort Station was opened in 1991 by our regional visiting president Sylvia Watts. This station continues to offer a vital service in the heart of our capital, Kingstown. British High Commission, Mr. Geoffrey Greaves donated all Toilets and Urinals.

SISVG has spearheaded the project of obtaining this property sitting on 7,243 square feet of land. A joint venture to accommodate Children diagnosed with severe disabilities.The Helping Hands Centre is a non profit educational facility that serves these children.

The Comfort Station was established in 1991. This was the first project identified by Charter President Jean Moore-Williams. In 1991 President Kathryn Cyrus was the driving force behind this project and with her proactive executive and dedicated members it came to completion during her tenure.This project provides a much needed community service especially at Carnival and other times when activities are held in that location. Special commendations have been given to SISVG for maintaining this operation. Requests are frequently made to have the facility opened later than the scheduled times, especially at weekends.

SISVG has been giving assistance to the Association for People with Disabilities from 1994 by paying the rent of a building to house the school for children as well as providing basic supplies. A building was purchased with assistance from SISVG, other organizations and the Association for People With Disabilities. Under i ts new name, The Helping Hands Project was opened in February 2001. The school is housed on the bottom floor and other NGOs rent space upstairs. The SISVG club’s meeting room is also on the top floor. SISVG holds a special fund-raiser for this project annually and also gives assistance in providing

SISVG has committed to the maintenance of a room at the Margurite Shanagher Night Shelter- A facility for the elderly , poor and homeless.

↑Education remains one of our main focuses and Scholarship owners make us proud each graduation

toiletries, pampers and other items. Our most recent input has been in assisting with the procurement of a bus with ramp and wheel chair access to transport the students to and from school. We were also able to source some funds from SI Solilhull, one of our Friendship Link clubs in the UK.

Our most recent project is the adoption of a room in a Night Shelter run by the Roman Cathol ic Church. SISVG is responsible for furnishing and upkeep of this room which was opened during the SICN conference in 2007.

EDUCATIONOther activities over the years include giving scholarships to n e e d y s t u d e n t s t o a t t e n d Secondary and Tertiary institutions. These girls have been successful in their CSEC Examinations and have gone on to Community College. Our present scholarship holders are two girls. One has just graduated from the Girls’ High School and will no doubt be proceeding to Community College, the other will be moving to fourth form in the new academic year.

Encyclopedia set donated to the Sandy Bay primary school

SISVG came out in their numbers to march for better health as we participated in the Pink Cap City walk for Breast Cancer

SISVG members listen attentively as Dr Onu ( Ophthalmologist) delivers his presentation on proper eye care.

The club also assists in providing school lunches, transportation and books to other needy students.Assistance was also given in the formative years to the Salvation Army Skills Training Programme.

HEALTH:The club provides assistance to persons who have to travel o v e r s e a s f o r m e d i c a l attention.A family with two disabled children were also supported by the club; these two lived to be in their late teens but have now died.Assistance was also given to two fami l ies w i th AIDS orphans. School lunches were arranged for two boys at a rural Primary school in one family and the club also donated building materials to the other family so that the grandmother’s house could be r e c o n s t r u c t e d t o accommodate the children. SISVG worked along with the National AIDS Unit on this project. Monetary as well as other contributions have also been given to a Home for Aids Orphans run by a Roman Catholic Nun.Members of the club sit on committees of other Non- Governmental Organisations such as the Children’s Welfare Fund, The Salvation Army,

Assistant Superintendant Nichols as he delivers his presentation to members of our youth camp

Saturday of service, planting trees to the grounds of the Kingstown Library

House of Hope Society, Association for Elderly Persons, as well as on Government agencies such as the National Committee for the Prevention of Crime.

SISVG also attend workshops and seminars organized by and in conjunction with other organizations. The club contributes to the SVG Medical Association College and Career Exhibition. Transportation for students from specific schools who are unable to afford to attend, is provided by SISVG. We also had a display at one of these exhibitions and participated in their walk for breast cancer awareness.

Other activities include holding a Youth Camp for young teenagers who need to be nurtured and trained in areas for self development during the summer vacation. SISVG has furnished and continues to maintain a room in the Marguerite Shanagher Night Shelter for homeless people in the Rose Place area which is run by the Roman Catholic Ladies of Charity. More recently the club has started a new project at the National Public Library in Kingstown. It was observed that the grounds were bare and needed some beautification,and the Programme Action Chairman after consultation

SVSVG provides anacademic scholarship toLonique Wallace.

with the Director of Libraries and the Ministry of Agriculture organized the planting of palm trees and other flowering plants on the compound. This is also an ongoing project.

In retrospect, although we have had our up and down periods especially with membership recruitment, we continue to be actively engaged in the Programme areas of SI and endeavor at all times to maintain the objects of Soroptimist International. Three new members were admitted to the club in December, 2010 and another three in 2012 which brings our membership to 32 and we hope to continue this recruitment drive.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines had the privilege of hosting the Caribbean Regional Conference in 1995 which was a great success and again here in 2007 on the 20th Anniversary.The club continues to work in providing opportunities to young women to develop their potential so that they can be prepared to face the challenges in our world today. Soroptimist International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the most proactive non-profit organizations in St. Vincent and we especially take pride in the work we do with the disabled, less fortunate and homeless and otherwise in our society in fulfilling the demands of our Programme Areas. Our commitment as professional women is to inspire action and transform the lives of young girls and women in our society.

Ikamola Laborde- Youth in the Community Award.

(Left-Right) Patron Lady Antrobus,SIGBI Federation President, GG His Excellency Dr Frederick Ballantyne, SICN President Kathryn Cyrus, Minister of Social Development Mr Mike Browne and Guest Speaker Mrs Nelcia Robinson- Hazel

Soroptimism started in Oakland, California, U.S.A where the first club was formed on October 3rd 1921. The first European club were the Soroptimist Club of Greater London in 1923 and the Soroptimist Club of Paris 1924. By 1928, there were enough clubs in these countries to form two Federations, American and European. Growth continued rapidly and a third federation was formed in July 1934, this was the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland (FGB&I)

Soroptimism came to the Caribbean in April, 1958 with a petition being granted for the formation of the Soroptimist Club of Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain. This was the first club to be formed in the English-speaking Caribbean. Soroptimism came to St. Vincent & the Grenadines in 1987.

ORIGINS OF SOROPTIMISM:

Mrs. Norma Keizer about to give a toast at the very first Anniversary Dinner 1989

Governor General Sir. Sir Joseph Lambert Eustace with President Mrs. Annelle Thomas at first Anniversary Dinner 1989.

President Miss René Baptiste pinning the new Patron of SI SVG Lady Antrobus

First Woman in the Community Award presented to Mrs. Jestina Charles by President Miss. René Baptiste.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN PROGRAMME AREAS

SI of the Caribbean 1993 Conference. New President Annelle Thomas alongside IPP Sylvia Wats (Barbados)

One of our early visits to the female ward of the Kingstown General Hospital

Blackpool Conference 1989.Sister Kathryn holding one of the children at the Bread of Life Orphanage operated by the Catholic Church. Donations were made of food and clothing.

US group “World Horizons” visited SISVG in1994. This group as their Community Service proactively assisted SISVG in the clean up of the Glebe Pre School. Samantha Kirby was the leader of this group and of Vincentian heritage.

Belfast Conference 2003 (Northern Ireland)

s

SISVG donates to Grenada after Hurricane Ivan

Sister Kathryn addresses the audience at the Helping Hands Center.

Christmas Party hosted by SISVG for children with disabilities.

Financial Contribution from Mr. Steve Corea- Leader of the UK Group of Friends.

Mr. Steve Corea- Leader of the UK Group of Friends, interacting with the children of the Helping Hands Center

Sister Nina and Lavinia with our first all girl youth camp.

SIGBI Memorial Fund Award winners members, 2010 Sister Saline & 2011 Sister Josie Ann.

SICN Conference 2007- SVG

SISVG Delegates at Caribbean Conference 1993

SICN Executive Members 2005-2007

18th Biennial Caribbean regional Conference- Anguilla- 2005

SICN Conference 2006

SISVG participated on a radio call in program “views and issues” that discussed Violence against women.

SISVG very proactive in a Peace Rally held in SVG

SISVG donates Encyclopedias to Primary Schools.

Sister Zeitha delivering presentation on Nutrition and Diabetes.

President Shirla presents donation to Mother of Renal Failure Patient, to assist with travel and treatment.

SISVG donates to the people of Haiti during their time of need after terrible earthquake.

SISVG President René Baptiste handing over a cheque of $1000.00 to Garth Eversley of the Marion House, a haven for women and girls in our society.

SISVG Contributes to primary schools in rural areas.SISVG makes a Library donation to the Female Surgical ward at the Kingstown General Hospital

SISVG Worshiping together

Sister Christine and Kathryn hands over donation from SI Solihull to APD President Mr. Junior Bacchus.

SISVG after Worship brunch.

Dr. R. E Ambrose (Radiologist) presents on Breast Cancer awareness in women within our society.

Sister Kathryn Cyrus presents Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Monty Maule.

President René Baptiste presents Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Cecil Cyrus.

Sister Annelle Thomas presents Certificate of Appreciation to Mrs. Avis York.

Visiting Sisters from SI Barbados Marguerite Woodstock-Riley (left), President Shirley Robertson SISVG (center) and Barbara Taylor from SI Jamestown, Barbados (Right)

President René presents Certificate of Appreciation to Mrs. Marjorie Jackson.

President René Baptiste seated at the head table -Charter Banquet & Award Ceremony 1997.

Sisters from Africa join Sister René for a snap shotBrighton - UK at 63rd Federation Conference

President René Baptiste pinning new President Sister Norma Nights.

Members get together for a quick pic at our AGM 2010.

Donations made to Bread of Life Orphanage operated by the Roman Catholic Church

IPP Shirla Little and incoming President Christine DaSilva 2010.

SICN Conference in Barbados 2008

Tea Party to celebrate World Soroptimist day 2011

SISVG has adopted the female Surgical Ward at the Local Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where we visit and make donations throughout the year and a special visit bearing gifts at Christmas time.

Members Annelle, Nicola & Lavinia at a local conference on Special Needs.

Yuletide Singers present a Cheque to President Nina for the Helping Hands Center.

Tuesday June 5th 2012. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables were acquired from our islands lush green environment and donated to the Lewis Punnett Home. This was to mark World Environment day 2012.

June 13th 20123 New Members Inducted

President Christine delivering food supplies and water to flood victims in Georgetown

Club sign indicating our work done to beautify the area with plants

Newly acquired bus by SISVG to improve the transport of the disabled children attending the Helping Hands Center.

Owen,Challoner. “Educate to Lead.” Soroptimist News. May 2012, pp6-7.

The Soroptimist Model

Soroptimists EDUCATE through basic skills, literacy and numeracy, we EMPOWER women with confidence giving them the ability to achieve their fullest as well as ENABLE opportunities through Advocacy and Awareness raising so that women and girls can use their skills and confidence as leaders and role models.

SISVG 2012

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Jean Moore-Williams 1987 – 1988

Annelle Thomas 1988 - 1989; 1999 – 2000; 2008 - 2009

Natalie Sylvester 1989 - 1990; 1993 – 1994

Shirley Robertson 1990 – 1991; 2006 – 2007; 2007 – 2008

Kathryn Cyrus 1991 – 1992; 1995 – 1996

Joyce Haynes 1992 - 1993

Marlene Arthur 1994 – 1995

Rene Baptiste 1996 – 1997; 1997 – 1998

Norma Knights 1998 – 1999

Shirley Howard 2001 – 2002

Nina Maloney 2002 – 2003

Lavinia Gunn 2003 – 2004

Zeitha Hadaway 2004 – 2005; 2005 – 2006

Shirla Little 2009 – 2010

Christine Da Silva 2010 – 2011; 2011 – 2012

Past

www.sisvg.org