The Scottish author, Nelson Henderson, once wrote: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” On the morning of March 2nd, the Soroptimist Club of Anguilla took advantage of the holiday to carry out the planting of several trees in the front yard of its building in The Valley.
Many industrious members came out in the early morning hours to commit mahogany, crotons and palm to the ground – in a spirit of cheerful camaraderie. Even little four-year-old Lynnique Gumbs-Carty, granddaughter of Soroptimist member, Patricia Gumbs, was on hand to gleefully participate in what she found to be a very exciting event. “She is well accustomed of planting and taking care of plants with her other grandmother,” Patricia declared.
Lynnique’s welcomed role, that early morning, was to bring water to soak the roots of the newly planted trees. Obviously, it would be a joy for her to grow with the trees she watered, knowing that she had an important part to play in their existence. And, in light of that quote from Nelson Henderson, if any one of the planters might sit under the trees’ shade, she, Lynnique, may well have that privilege.
The Anguillian spoke with the local President of Soroptimist International, Mrs. Yoland Hodge-Richardson, who said: “This year, Soroptimist International will be celebrating 100 years of its operations on October 5th. Part of the Club’s activities to mark that noteworthy milestone is a tree-planting project. In light of this, Clubs all over the world are engaged in this activity that is leading up to our centennial, and we have begun to do our bit today.”
Mrs. Hodge-Richardson took the opportunity to give a brief history of Soroptimist is Anguilla. She said that she has been an active member of the Club since 2012, and was elected President last year, 2020. She stated that the local membership stands at 26 — many of whom are very active. She remarked that most of the founding members, such as Mrs. Countess Rey and Nurse Rose Brooks, are now retired. But there are those members who are quite instrumental to the functioning of the Club in Anguilla.
Taking some seconds to ponder, Yoland reflected on Molly Hodge of Sandy Hill who was the first President, and then gave due recognition to Ms. Ena Woodstock who was once a Magistrate in Anguilla, and who introduced the Club here, some forty years ago, in 1981. She also recognised the work of the Club’s Regional President, Mrs. Blondell Rodgiers, and mentioned the work of Club’s regional Conference — Soroptimist International Caribbean Network (SICN).
With regard to the tree-planting, The Anguillian also spoke with Regional President Blondell Rodgiers. She observed: “I think that the planting this morning went quite well. I am impressed and thankful for the work of everyone. We are making plans to plant many more trees in various communities as part of our 100-year anniversary. We also intend to plant trees at the newly refurbished schools that will soon open. Since these schools are rebuilt, it would be a great idea to commemorate their renewal with the planting of a few trees on the school-grounds.”
She said that two individuals have already contributed to this brilliant plan, and she solicits the freewill contributions of others. “Keeping in line with our 100th anniversary, it is our intention to plant 100 trees in significant areas around Anguilla. We hope to reach our goal by year’s end,” Mrs. Rodgiers stated.
Among other programmes, ideally, Soroptimist International’s main mission is to champion the cause for the rights of women. According to soroptimist international.org, Soroptimist International was founded in 1921. It is a global volunteer movement with a network of around 72,000 club members in 121 countries.
Soroptimist International advocates for human rights and gender equality. At the heart of Soroptimist International’s advocacy is its work across eight UN Centres, where its UN representatives ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard. Local club memberships work on grassroots projects that help women and girls achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in communities worldwide.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
