From left to right: Sonia Harding, Elma Weeks and Edwardina Williams, who were awarded for service to the community of St. Michael North, by DLP St. Michael North candidate and host, Kim Tudor.
St. Michael North women given support
Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for St. Michael North, Kim Tudor is seeking to give the women in that constituency a hand up.
One of yesterday’s activities at the “Women on the Move” Expo and Fun Day did just that as 12 ladies had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas, for the chance to win $2 000 in seed money.
Impressed by the presentations, Tudor, the CEO of the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) expressed to members of the media her desire to assist all the participants.
“I wish I could give everybody who pitched but it was a limitation of resources that limited me to one person. But, I am going to find ways of working with more than one person because the ideas pitched are very diverse – from performing arts to IT to clothing – all of them deserve support. I am going to find a way of making sure that happens even if we use Fund Access or the various agencies to help them build their business plans, so they can actually access funding.”
The event, held in Warrens was also a day of pampering not only for St. Michael North constituents, but those in the environs – receiving complimentary manicures, pedicures, facials as well as grooming tips from students of the Caribbean Cosmetology Academy.
There was also the opportunity to explore training options with workshops on the world of work and showcases by post-secondary institutions. In addition, there were health checks, eats, drinks, art and craft provided by the women of St. Michael North.
“Most of the vendors exhibiting their products and services are from within the constituency. And that was what we wanted – to identify the talent that we have within the constituency and get persons to support each other... We had more than 30 vendors from within the constituency interested,” it was pointed out.
Five women were also acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to St. Michael North. They are Elma Weekes, Edwardina Williams, Anita Holder, Rosetta Delores-Burgess, Sonia Harding and Ivene Francis-Worrell.
“We will award five ladies whose contributions go unrecognised. For example, we have a lady who keeps the children after school if their parents are late, and the parents have the confidence that their children are safe... Things like that which is a value to the constituency and community,” Tudor said.