Searchlight Logo
special_image

    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
Our Readers' Opinions
January 5, 2016

‘Women Who Empower Our Nation’ – Pt 2

Sherrill-Ann Mason

(Feature speech at Vincy Cares Dinner in Brooklyn, New York on December 12, 2015)
(Continued from last week)

I remember growing up as a child and young adult in SVG, there were numerous women of valor who were outstanding role models, women of exceptional character, respect, tenacity, decency and honesty. I was extremely fortunate not to have to go far beyond my home community of New Montrose, the church and my family circle to find fine examples. Women like Norma Keizer, Lorna DeBique, Millicent Iton, Hermina Cambridge, Lorna Small, Sylvia Stoddard, Velma Jackson, and my dear mother Kathleen Mason were powerful role models to me. I am sure you too can identify women in your lives, in your communities that nurtured, inspired and motivated you.

These women were respectful, pioneering, often selfless, and made the best of their circumstances while managing to emerge dignified. I give thanks to these and countless other women. Today, let us ask ourselves: can we see the images of these women in ourselves? Moreso, can we walk in their shoes and go past the places where they have gone?

Too often, we hear the saying, “women are women’s worst enemy”. I ask you this evening: “Are you an enemy or a friend?” Have you been guilty of tearing down a sister or standing in the way of her success because of your own insecurities? Have you ever publicly or in private ridiculed another sister because doing so made you feel better about yourself? In this age of social media, I am always amazed at how some things go viral. Sometimes we are caught promoting a kind of double standard that sends the wrong message about what we value? Please don’t beat me up for this example, but I have paid close attention to some of our obsession with Sondra Rhimes’ acclaimed Thursday night show “Scandal”. But think about it, some of the most ardent supporters are the same women who turn right around and lambaste our leaders for doing the same thing or condemning those who bring to light the salacious details. To me, wrong is wrong, whether it’s on the big screen or in our everyday lives. We must be cautious about what we say we value and what we truly demonstrate that we value.

Men, you are not off the hook either, you too must ask yourselves deep and thought-provoking questions about your respect and support for women. In fact, all of us must ask ourselves, if we are a part of the solution or a part of the problem. We must all strive to be better examples and role models for the young. And at this time, we must strive to do more not less. We must let our actions speak louder than our words. For me, I want to simply leave a legacy for which my daughters, Njeri and Makeda, can be proud. I want them to be able to say, “my mother was a good example and although she may not have always won, she did whatever she could with conviction and pride.” I want all of us to be good examples to the children in our communities in SVG and right here in the USA.

I have long realized, especially through my involvement with numerous organizations such as the National Youth Council, what an empowered woman looks like….in its simplest form we must demand Respect and Equal treatment for women. I encourage you my fellow Vincentians to think of the women in your lives and ask yourself if you can identify their outstanding qualities. Can you see their strengths and not just their weaknesses? Can you think of how their challenges can be turned into opportunities? Can you step out of your own comfort zone and do something that benefits someone else besides yourself? Can you imagine a Vincentian society where women and men are treated with respect and empowered to be their best selves? If you can imagine that reality, I invite you to do something different today, do something tomorrow, think about your actions and words more carefully to ensure that you always build up rather than tear down. We must become the women and men who empower our nation. To borrow the words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” We must become the change we are waiting for. There is more than enough work for all of our hands, hearts and minds.

Imagine if you will, a Vincentian society where…. we all carry ourselves as “True, true, Vincies, who meaningfully embrace ‘This Island is Mine” and work diligently to preserve our nation’s soul and integrity. Imagine a Vincentian society where…..”we’ve got love and we’ve got peace, from La Soufrière to the Grenadines”. Imagine a Vincentian society where….there is no poverty, zero hunger, good health, well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work, economic growth, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities. These are some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals agreed to by the world’s leaders, as the guiding principles for the future of our world. If we, as Vincentians are to achieve these goals, each of us must see our unique role and seize opportunities to empower our nation. These goals are not just tasks for our political leaders; these are tasks for each and every one of us, as agents of change and leaders in our own right who empower our beloved homeland St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In closing, I leave you with this quote from controversial author and philosopher Ayn Rand: “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” I encourage you to be a woman or a man who empowers our nation. Thank you; enjoy the rest of the evening and congratulations to our honorees.

  • FacebookComments
  • ALSO IN THE NEWS
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Front Page
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    FAMILY MEMBERS of a woman who was killed at Long Wall say they suspect their relative was hacked by a person they all know very well. On Tuesday, Sept...
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Front Page
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE IDEA THAT HOUSING is a right, that every Vincentian has a right to safe and secure housing, and that the government has a role to play in ensuring...
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Front Page
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A POLICE OFFICER, who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend 26 times about her body was remanded even as his lawyer argued that the Royal St Vincent and...
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Front Page
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A NEW UNITY LABOUR PARTY ADMINISTRATION will be rolling out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to embrace its positives and guard against the nega...
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Front Page
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 9,2025 was a memorable day for the staff and students of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, which was marking its 20th anniversary wi...
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    News
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    NON- NATIONALS ARE being hired to fill several jobs in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) simply because locals did not have the required skill sets....
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    News
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Montgomery Daniel has sought to clear around rumours that have been circulating relating to his health. Speaking on NBC radio on...
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    News
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    The GOVERNMENT of St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign agreements for tourism investment of $1.3 billion on mainland St.Vincent. On Monday, Se...
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    From the Courts, News
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A BARROUALLIE MAN will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to being in illegal possession of a firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. Demron...

    E-EDITION
    ePaper
    google_play
    app_store
    Subscribe Now
    • Interactive Media Ltd. • P.O. Box 152 • Kingstown • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Phone: 784-456-1558 © Copyright Interactive Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok