By Indrawattie Natram

IT was indeed a magical evening for many mothers in Region Two as many of them found themselves at the fund-raising candlelight dinner organised by the Women of Substance group on the evening of Mother’s Day. The dinner was organised by the non-profit body to treat mothers on their special day.

According to President and Founder of the non-profit organisation, Ciselyn Jonas, the dinner was one with a difference, aimed at making mothers feel honoured. She said the women’s group which was formed on October11, 2015 has been making tremendous strides and continue to educate and empower young women of all ages and ethnicities within the Region. Jonas said the group’s main objective is to train women in an effort for them to acquire entrepreneurial skills and to mobilise youths on educational and community development projects.

The programme featured live karaoke which was sung by leading calypsonian, Wendell Walcott. Walcott set the mood for the dinner with his rendition of songs like, “Tell her you sorry”, “If tomorrow never comes”, “Your mother’s love”.

Paying tribute to the mothers at the Regional State House was Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, who commended the women’s organisation for planning such a marvelous activity. He said the dinner demonstrates what an organisation can do collectively. He, therefore, urged other organisations to utilise the Regional State House for similar activities. Hopkinson said indeed the night was a special one for mothers and wished them well.

Representative from the Red Thread organisation, Abigail Wilson, spoke about violence against women. Wilson used the opportunity to urged women to speak out and to stop putting a blind eye on issues within their homes. She urged parents to also be more vigilant to their children and build stronger families within the home. “Sit and talk more with your children, listen to them, explain things to them, be open,” Wilson said.
Giving a reflection on the importance of mothers was Joan Jeffery who shared her knowledge from a religious standpoint about the important role mothers’ play.
The dinner concluded with mothers from various villages interacting with each other. The Women’s group intends to host the dinner annually.