Soroptimist elects Jane Farrell as its new president

JANE FARRELL WAS unanimously elected president of Soroptimist St Vincent and the Grenadines (SISVG) when the club held its 37th annual general meeting on Saturday April,27, 2024.

Other members elected to serve on the Board of Directors were: vice president Velda Gumbs; secretary Jonelle O’Garro; treasurer Christine DaSilva; programme action Noami Laborde; membership and safeguarding, Ikarmola Laborde; governance and development, Rene Baptiste; communications, Samantha Cordice; with Donnette O’Neil as immediate past president. Rene Baptiste continues to serve in the capacity of president elect at the regional body Soroptimist International Caribbean (SICN) and Ikamola Laborde as the Club’s representative, the club said in a release. Josie- Ann Small also continues to serve as Federation Councilor at Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI).

In her president’s report, Donette O’Neil noted that despite certain challenges there has been growth and SISVG was able to bring the club more to the forefront of the public eye.

There were substantial improvements to communication as the Club hosted a successful webinar on “Financial Literacy for Emerging Entrepreneurs for students at the Barrouallie Technical Institute (Bartech/BTI), and Central Leeward Secondary School on March 12, 2024.

Members were also reminded that we all joined to make a difference, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do” (C.G.Jung).

She reminded members to join the subcommittees, be more vocal and active in making the goals of the Club a reality.

Shannon Durrant- Samuel programme action, highlighted in her report the activities of the club under the theme of empowerment,

education and community outreach leaving a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls across St.Vincent and the Grenadines. The annual Girls on Fire July 2023, placed emphasis on ‘Stop the Violence’, self confidence, cyberbullying, the STEM programme and the donation of our Comfort Period Kits to participants. Other activities during the year focused attention on a Human Trafficking seminar, Literacy project, Breast Cancer Awareness- Self Breast examination video and the distribution of additional Period Comfort Kits on International Day of the Girl Child.

The incoming president, Jane Farrell stated that she was honoured to be elected as president. She reminded members that we are not adversarial competitors, that in this Club we are one for all and all for one.

She encouraged members to be one membership, one group, one organisation.

“The adults and young adult women who we pledge to serve are counting on you and your support”.