Executive members with the Patron 
Patron Rosena Brooks placing the chain of office on new President Yolande Richardson
At the Annual General Meeting of the Soroptimist Club, plans were announced for future projects for the Club. Yolande Richardson was installed as the new President, and plans to rebuild the Club to its former strength, were highlighted.
In her address, President Richardson noted that during the past two and a half years the Club had been at a low ebb, but thanks to some stalwart members it has pulled through and is now ready to go forward. She said the past two presidents had to focus on rebuilding the structure and rebuilding the finances but now she wants to rebuild the Club. Plans for the immediate future are to secure their building against hurricanes, prepare for opening a Senior Day Care Centre when the building is not rented to the Education Department, and organising fundraising activities.
Linda Oluwakemi Banks, who is in charge of Programme Action, announced that the focus will be on health care for all including mental health care, and re-starting the Stingray Programme. The latter was established a few years ago but had not been viable since Hurricane Irma. Now with the donation of 30 guitars by Ann and Gordon Woodward and 4 instructors – the Programme will be available to children and adults. In addition, funding is being offered from the Pennywise Foundation through a memorial fund for Ijahnya Christian. The Foundation is a non-profit one that raises tax deductible funds for organisations around the world.
Treasurer Anita Brooks gave an account of the Club’s finances over the past year. The Soroptimist Centre is currently rented out to The Valley Primary school for two of its classes – and rental from that has helped the club to pay for its high post-Irma expenses.
The new Executive Committee was announced by Pamela Connor. It includes President Richardson, Past President Ursil Brooks, President Elect Angelina Carty, Secretary Erlyn Esdaille, Treasurer Anita Brooks, Councillor Blondell Rodgiers, Programme Action Linda Oluwakemi Banks and members – Carmencita Davis, Lavan Hoyoung, Hyacinth Bradley and Patricia Gumbs.
- Contributed
